Cervical screening prevents up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers but experts have warned the number of women attending is at a 19 year low in England and a ten year low in Wales and Scotland.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, a charity which helps women and families affected by the disease has revealed almost half of women – 44.2 per cent – are unaware of what the cervix is, unable to correctly identify it as the neck of the womb.
One in six could also not name a single function of the cervix with less than half – 41.40 per cent aware that it connects the womb to the vagina and only one in three knowing that it provides a seal to hold the baby in when pregnant.
Symptoms of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding, pain and discomfort during sex and unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge.
NINE SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL CANCER
Sarah Morton, 33, said cervical screening saved her life.
“I am a mum of one and a cervical cancer survivor,” she said.
“Just over six weeks ago I underwent a radical hysterectomy after being diagnosed with stage 1b1 adenocarcinoma of the cervix.
“Up until that point I had always attended for screening, from the age of 25, had always had the all clear.
“I knew from the moment my letter arrived from the screening programme telling me that abnormalities had been found that it was going to be bad news.
“My instinct was telling me something was wrong.
“In hindsight I had been having symptoms for several months prior (abnormal bleeding) but I put it down to having gone through two early miscarriages in the 12 months leading up to having my latest smear (in fact my screening invitation arrives the same day I started miscarrying baby number two) but I attended as soon as possible after that as I just knew something was wrong.
“Everything moved very fast from that moment.”
Sara got the all clear and is now on three monthly check ups.
The cervix has several functions, including keeping the foetus inside the womb until birth and dilating during birth to allow the baby to move from the womb to the vagina.
Through increasing awareness of the important role of the cervix, the charity hopes to increase awareness of cervical cancer and most importantly how it can be prevented through cervical screening.
Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “We cannot afford to see cervical screening attendance fall any further.
“Diagnoses of cervical cancer in the UK are worryingly high and will only increase if more women don’t attend screening.
“We want to encourage women to look after their health, including the health of their cervix and that means attending cervical screening.
“By not attending, women are significantly increasing their risk of a life-threatening disease.
“During Cervical Screening Awareness Week I want to encourage women to talk to their friends, mothers and daughters about the steps they can take to reduce their risk of cervical cancer.”
Marianne Wood, colposcopy nurse, said: “Cervical screening looks for abnormal cells on the cervix which could develop into cancer if not treated or monitored but it’s really important to remember that the majority of cervical screening tests come back with no abnormal cells.
“If you are nervous or unsure about attending then please do talk to the nurse performing your test who will be able to explain what will happen and answer any questions you have.
“Cervical screening may be uncomfortable but it should not be painful and remember, the nurses will really try to make you feel at ease if you feel embarrassed in any way.
“I want to encourage every woman to attend their appointment when invited and not delay. It’s such an important five minute test that really could save your life.”
Find out more about Cervical Screening Awareness Week at jostrust.org.uk/csaw
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