NHS Lanarkshire is putting a spotlight on the importance of cervical screening – commonly known as a smear test.
It’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and with Cervical Cancer Prevention Week running from January 21-28, those eligible for screening are being urged to have the potentially lifesaving test.
Anyone aged 25 to 64 who’s eligible for screening is invited for a routine smear test.
Celia Briffa-Watt, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health, said: “Cervical screening checks the cells from your cervix for the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer.
“It’s the most effective and accurate way of finding out if you’re more likely to develop cervical cancer, and the test only takes around five minutes.
“If you’d feel more comfortable with a female nurse or GP, be sure to mention this when you make your appointment.
“You can ask to discuss the smear test with the practice nurse before your appointment or ask for a double appointment if you think you need a bit longer during your smear test. You could even take a friend or relative along too, if you’d prefer.”
Celia’s message was echoed by NHS Lanarkshire’s public health screening programme manager, Morag Nicholson.
Morag explained: “When it’s your turn, you’ll get a letter inviting you to make an appointment with your GP practice. Even if you think everything’s fine and you’ve had your HPV vaccine, please don’t ignore your smear test invitation.
“If your smear test is overdue, don’t wait for your invitation – you can go along anytime so why not book it this week? Talk to your GP or nurse if you’re worried – they’ll understand and can help.
“A smear test can help stop cervical cancer before it starts – it could save your life.
“The HPV vaccine protects against the main causes of cervical cancer, but it doesn’t protect against them all. So even if you’ve had the vaccine, it’s still important to go for cervical screening.”
For full information visit the cervical screening section on the NHS Inform website.
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