Cervical Cancer Awareness Week (January 24 to 30, 2016)

Four out of five women take up their invitation. The test only takes five minutes, saves around 5,000 lives in the UK every year and prevents 8 out of 10 cervical cancers from developing.

Over the past five years in the Western Isles, 77% of eligible women have taken the opportunity when invited to participate in the cervical screening programme but there is still room to improve on this.

You may be surprised to hear that eight women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each day in the UK – however this disease could be largely preventable by attending a cervical screening appointment.

Aged 20-30? This is the age least likely to attend for screening in the Western Isles but a cervical screening test only takes five minutes, so you’re reassured it will be over before you know it, with many women stating they had worried for no reason.

It’s worth remembering that your doctor or nurse carries out this test on a regular basis, so there is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about – and although no woman looks forward to their test, ignoring the invitation will leave you unprotected from the early signs of cervical cancer.

If you are feeling at all anxious, please explain to your doctor or nurse how you are feeling and they will be happy to talk through any concerns and put you at ease.

Regular Cervical Screening:

Saves 5,000 lives a year in the UK

Prevents 8 out of 10 cancers developing

Takes less than five minutes

Don’t put it off, book your cervical screening appointment with your GP Practice today.