Cervical Cancer Awareness Week (19-25 January)

Confusion and fear over cervical cancer and cervical screening is putting lives at unnecessary risk, according to Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust. Almost a third of

women don't know what causes cervical cancer and over half fail to link the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) to its development,. But what I find most unbelieveable, is that only 16% of women recognise non-attendance of cervical screening as a risk factor.

Now the cervical cancer charity is calling for more to be done if the UK is to reverse the decline in cervical screening uptake. Their new Put Yourself In the Picture Campaign that launched this week targeted the first and last age groups eligible for the NHS cervical screening programme, both of which show worrying trends – higher numbers diagnosed with the disease and lower uptake of cervical screening.

Amongst 25-29 year olds, one in 31 do not take up their invitation and with cervical cancer being the most common cancer for women under 35, incidence in this age range is at its second highest since 1996.

For women aged 60-64 who receive their final invitation, over a quarter currently fail to attend screening – the lowest uptake for more than 16 years. This is particularly worrying as the most recent figures show cervical cancer incidence for this age group has increased by 29% in a year. When it comes to understanding the purpose of a smear test, many women believe it's to check the health of the womb, while one in 10 women aged 25-29 think it's a test for sexually transmitted diseases. Young women are delaying their screening as a quarter are worried it will be painful and embarrassing, and one in 10 are worried about the results. Women aged 60-64 are putting off having their screening due to a previous bad experience and experiencing pain since going through the menopause. Robert Music, Chief Executive for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said: “The study shows a clear need to educate women on the causes of cervical cancer and the purpose of cervical screening. Currently just under 3,000 UK women are diagnosed each year and if those who are delaying their screening continue to misunderstand the disease and how it can be prevented, then we are concerned that screening uptake will continue to fall and incidence will start to rise. Already we are seeing an increase in incidence for older women and we are very worried that the number of diagnoses amongst women in their late twenties will also go up.” Robert continues: “This study has revealed several barriers to attending screening which need to be addressed by educating women with targeted campaigns. For example we know that for those living in areas of deprivation the incidence of cervical cancer is three times as high as those in the least deprived areas. "Our message to women who are overdue their next screening would be to seek support and advice if they have any concerns and make it a priority to attend.” In order to raise awareness and encourage all women to attend regular screening Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has launched a new campaign called Put Yourself In The Picture. The campaign is supported by Kirsty-Leigh Porter, who plays Leela Lomax in Hollyoaks, and British actress Sara Stewart, famous for roles in Fresh Meat, Holby City and Batman Begins. To get involved, visit www.jostrust.org.uk/selfie to pledge to attend cervical screening.