Millions of women at risk of killer stealth cancer told ‘don’t wait – contact your GP now’
MILLIONS of women are missing out on life-saving cancer checks, NHS figures show.
They’ve been told not to delay contacting their GP, who can initiate tests right away.
One in three eligible women – more than 1.2million – did not take up the offer of a free cervical screening in England last year.
Health chiefs are urging those who missed out to get tested now so that potential cancer can be found as early as possible.
As of December 2023, just 65.8 per cent of the 11million eligible women aged 25 to 49 were screened on time. The proportion was 74.1 per cent among those 50 to 64.
Of the 4.62million invited in 2022 to 2023, just 3.43million attended.
All women aged 25 to 64 are offered the “vitally important” NHS screening at least once every five years.
The 10-minute appointment checks for high-risk HPV, which causes 99 per cent of cervical cancers.
The disease affects around 3,300 women every year in the UK and kills about 850 – including Big Brother star Jade Goody when she was just 27.
HPV is carried by almost everyone. It is passed through sex (but is not considered an STI).
Most people’s immune system clears HPV within a couple of years without any harm.
But for some people who have HPV there may be changes to the cells, which is found during a smear test. This could evolve into cancer.
A positive HPV smear test result does not mean a person has cancer, only that they might need follow-up tests. This is why having a smear test is so vital, to prevent cancer occurring.
Last year, the NHS pledged to wipe out cervical cancer by 2040.
Steve Russell, of NHS England, said: “We are doing everything we can to achieve our ambition of eliminating cervical cancer within the next two decades, but we need to see more women coming forward for their cervical screening appointments when invited.
“Even if you missed your appointment, don’t wait around for another invitation before contacting your GP practice.
“You can still book in now and this could save your life.”
The HPV jab is given to boys and girls when they are 12 to 13 years old and is also offered to people at high risk from HPV.
Since last September, children have been receiving a single dose of the vaccine when they are in Year 8 rather than the two doses given previously.
During Cervical Screening Awareness Week [June 17 to 24], the NHS is urging all women to attend appointments even if they are vaccinated as the jab does not protect against all types of HPV, so there is still a small chance of getting cervical cancer.
How to protect yourself against cervical cancer
CERVICAL cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women in their early 30s, with around 3,200 new cases and 850 deaths each year in the UK.
According to CRUK, the five-year survival rate is around 70 per cent – and the earlier it is caught, the better.
Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year.
It is vital you attend your smear test and get jabbed when invited, and that you know the symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for.
These aren’t always obvious, and they may not become noticeable until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
But you might notice:
- Unusual bleeding (often after sex, between periods, or after the menopause)
- Pain and discomfort during sex
- Vaginal discharge (often unpleasant smelling)
- Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones or in your lower tummy
Women are invited to have regular cervical screenings between the ages of 25 and 64. How often depends on your age.
The HPV vaccine, which helps protect against the virus, is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 and people at higher risk from HPV.
Source: NHS and Cancer Research UK