MP backs cervical cancer trust’s message - “smear tests save lives”

ONE in four women don’t attend potentially life-saving cervical screening appointments.

As part of this week’s Cervical Screening Awareness Week, Rotherham MP Sarah Champion is supporting calls from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to make it easier for people to attend the appointments.

The charity wants to ensure every woman and person with a cervix have the opportunity to attend cervical screening, understand why the test is important and encourage action to make the test more accessible.

Ms Champion tweeted: “One in four women don’t attend cervical screening. I’m supporting @JoTrust to make sure every woman and person with a cervix is able to book and attend their smear test appointment: http://jostrust.org.uk/csaw #CSAW #SmearTestsSaveLives.”

A trust spokesperson said: “There are many reasons which make it difficult for some women and people with a cervix to attend cervical screening, yet more and more are telling us that they are struggling to get an appointment.

“Launched this week, our new report, Computer Says No, looks at the growing issue of access to cervical screening across the UK, the problems and how they can be overcome.

“For some women, including those with a physical disability or who have experienced sexual violence, it can be particularly difficult to attend an appointment.”

The trust is calling for increased availability of appointments at GP practices and greater availability in sexual health services as well as the introduction of self-sampling.

To read the full report and recommendations visit https://www.jostrust.org.uk/access.

The spokesperson added: “Help us reach as many people as possible to highlight how important cervical screening is in protecting against cervical cancer by joining the conversation on social media.

"Together we can make sure everyone with a cervix knows #SmearTestsSaveLives and address the difficulties some people face.

“Use the hashtag #SmearTestsSaveLives to share with your loved ones the importance of smear tests in preventing cervical cancer and share your experiences.”

Other recommended ways to raise awareness are by holding a stall or fundraising event.

For more information visit www.jostrust.org.uk.