An NHS Lanarkshire consultant is encouraging women who have missed their last smear to contact their GP practice, as it could save their life.
The move comes during Cervical Screening Awareness Week (14-20 June 2021) which urges more women to have a smear test.
Cervical screening tests, also known as smear tests, now screen for the human papillomavirus (HPV) – the main cause of cervical cancer.
Celia Briffa-Watt, NHS Lanarkshire public health consultant, said: “Screening for HPV helps to ensure cell changes that could develop into cervical cancer are identified and treated earlier.
“Women who are found to have HPV will be closely monitored and treated, if required, meaning HPV is extremely unlikely to develop into cervical cancer.”
Cervical Screening Awareness Week is organised by the charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and aims to reduce confusion about HPV and raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening.
Celia said: “Women aged between 25 and 64 will receive a cervical screening invite but less than 80% of them will take up the offer in Lanarkshire. We need more women to have screening to prevent more cases of cervical cancer and reduce deaths.
“The test only takes a few minutes and will be carried out by an experienced female smear taker who does this testing all the time. The change to include HPV screening in 2020 means we have an even more effective test now.
“I know women will worry about the results when they have a smear test, I do too, but over 90 per cent of us will be given the all-clear.
“I’m sure there will be confusion about the new test and whether or not you can even go to your GP practice for cervical screening during the pandemic. However, screening services are open and it’s important you make and attend your appointment. The female smear taker will be able to answer any questions you may have.”
The NHS inform website has a lot of information about cervical screening – https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/cervical/cervical-screening-smear-test
Those who have been vaccinated for HPV should still go for screening. This is because the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cancer. The combination of the HPV vaccination and cervical screening should eventually wipe out cervical cancer in Scotland.
Celia stressed: “Please don’t miss the opportunity when you get your invitation. Make that appointment.
“While screening is the best protection against cervical cancer, it is important to visit your doctor if you spot any symptoms of cervical cancer. Symptoms include lower back pain, pain during sex, bleeding during or after sex or in between periods, post-menopausal bleeding and unusual vaginal discharge. These can be caused by something else but it’s always important that you get them checked out at your GP practice.”
