Women urged not to miss screen test

Laura Robson gets ‘ready for her screen test’. (s)

WOMEN are being urged not to miss their screen test.

The ‘Are you ready for your screen test?’ campaign, run by the Arden Cluster - NHS Warwickshire and NHS Coventry - is highlighting the importance of attending smear tests during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, running until Saturday (January 28), which focuses on symptoms and causes of cervical cancer and ways to prevent it.

Cervical screening detects changes in the cells of the cervix early – before they have a chance to develop into cancer and every woman aged between 25 and 64 is eligible for regular tests.

Laura Robson had to undergo treatment after a routine smear test revealed abnormal results.

Laura said: “I had no symptoms and was otherwise fit and healthy so it was a real shock when I was called back after a smear test. I’m so pleased that I went though as it meant I could receive treatment straightaway. If I hadn’t gone for my routine test, the cell changes that were detected would have gone unnoticed and my chances of developing cervical cancer would have been much higher.

“I wanted to be part of this campaign to promote screening as I think everyone who is offered a screen should take advantage of it. It could potentially save their life. If I had ignored my offer of screening, I might not be here today.”

Nina Morton, Screening Coordinator at NHS Coventry, said most women had normal results and would not need another test for three to five years, but in others changes were found in the cells of the cervix, which acted as an early warning sign that cervical cancer might develop in the future.

She added: "It’s vital for women to attend every screen so that abnormalities can be found early and be successfully treated before they develop into cancer. The test is quick and simple and we urge all women to attend their screening appointments.”

For more information go to www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk or speak to your GP.