17-23 January is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week which aims to raise awareness of cervical screening. One in three women and people with a cervix don’t attend cervical screening and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust want to change that.
“220,000 women and people with a cervix every year are told they have cervical cell changes after their screening, and many more are given a HPV diagnosis. This can mean more tests and treatments, and for some it can be incredibly hard time. We want everyone to have the information and support they need. So we want you to join us and share tips, facts, and most importantly help others know they aren’t alone.”
Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. All women and people with a cervix aged 25 – 64 are invited for regular tests. The sample of cells taken from your cervix is checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix.
Find out more about cervical screening from the NHS website.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust also provide plenty of information about cervical screening, take a look here and find out more about the campaign here.