Southend-on-Sea residents are urged to get up to date with their cervical screening, that could save their lives.
As part of Cervical Screening Awareness Week, which runs this year between Monday 19 to Saturday 24 June, Southend-on-Sea City Councils Public Health Team are urging women aged 25 to 64 to respond to their cervical screening invitation letters or book an appointment at their GP practice if one is due.
A cervical screening or smear test is one of the best ways to check the health of the cervix and provide protection from cervical cancer. The test checks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Cervical cell changes are common, and often improve naturally. But sometimes these changes need treatment because there is a risk they may develop into cancer.
Woman registered with their GP practice are invited for routine screening every three years if they are aged 25-49 and every five years if they are aged 50-64. Women aged 65 or over and have never had a cervical screening test will need to request an appointment from their GP.
It has been estimated that in England, cervical screening prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths and that if everyone attended screening regularly, 83% of cervical cancer deaths could be prevented.
Cllr James Moyies, cabinet member for public health, adult social care and constitutional affairs said: “Cervical screening is often a delicate subject, which many women may find uncomfortable, but it is vital to attend to help prevent cancer.
“Cervical screening only lasts a few minutes, and you only have to go once every 3 or 5 years depending on your age. It's a few minutes that could save your life.
“There is a wealth of information and support available from the NHS and other expert organisations to help anyone with worries or concerns about booking or attending their cervical screening.”
For more information about cervical screening, and support from other organisations please visit the NHS website.