Footballers in cervical cancer awareness message

Rotherham United Ladies Football Club (RULFC) has teamed up with their local cervical screening programme for Cervical Cancer Prevention Week to urge the women of Rotherham not to fear their smear test.

The players are helping to promote the important role cervical screening, also known as a smear test, in the prevention of cervical cancer in a bid to encourage female fans and local women to take up their invites.

Valerie Hoyle, RULFC secretary, said: “I think it's really important women talk more openly about cervical screening and encourage their friends to attend their appointments.

“I want to make sure that the ladies in our squad are all looking after their health and taking up their cervical screening appointments.”

It is estimated that early detection and treatment through cervical screening can prevent up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers from developing.

Women aged between 25 and 49 will receive an appointment invitation every three years and women aged between 50 and 64 will be invited for screening every five years.

RULFC captain Leanne Carter, added: “Cervical screening is an important part of women's health care. The sooner something is detected the sooner it can be treated.

“I would encourage any women overdue their appointment to take five minutes out of their day to protect their health and have a smear test.”

Women who have missed their cervical screening appointment are encouraged to contact their local GP to book an appointment.

Denise Tonkin, lead nurse colposcopist at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Cervical screening is not a test for cancer but a way of detecting any abnormalities in the cervix which if left alone may become a problem in the future.

“Quite often, fears or concerns about cervical screening can be overcome by getting more information about the process.

“I would urge anybody who is nervous about attending their screening appointment to visit fearorsmear.dbh.nhs.uk.”