Drag Race favourite and Loose Women star among celebrities backing cervical screening campaign
Embarrassment is the most common reason to miss vital appointments, as Health Editor Emily Morgan reports
A cervical screening campaign has been launched with the support of celebrities and TV stars, urging those eligible not to ignore their invitation, as research suggests embarrassment is the most common reason to miss the potentially life-saving appointment.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), supported by the NHS, hopes to increase numbers attending cervical screening in England in order to save lives.
The Help Us Help You – Cervical Screening Saves Lives campaign urges those eligible not to ignore their cervical screening invitation, and, if they missed their last one, to book a new appointment now.
The campaign features celebrities including Loose Women star Linda Robson, TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant Victoria Scone, broadcaster Louise Minchin and female rights activist Sharon Gaffka.
It will emphasise that screening can help stop cervical cancer before it starts, and is being supported by charities, including Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.
TV star Moffatt said: “A few years ago, my cervical screening may have saved my life.
“The screening detected HPV and abnormal cells linked to the development of cervical cancer, and I underwent treatment to have the cells removed.
“If I hadn’t been to that appointment, I don’t know what situation I would have been in now.”
The campaign will include activity targeted to ethnic minority (black and South Asian) and LGBTQ+ communities, as data shows these groups can experience specific barriers to taking up screening.
Drag queen Scone said: “Initially I was uncertain as to whether a cervical screening was imperative for me as a queer woman.
“However, this new campaign has clarified that all women and people with a cervix, including those in the LGBTQ+ community like myself, are eligible for a screening, so I booked myself in.
“I think it’s so important to openly talk about cervical screenings and encourage each other to attend theirs.”
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Abnormal bleeding during or after sexual intercourse, or between periods
Post-menopausal bleeding for women who are not on HRT or who have stopped it for six weeks
Unusual/unpleasant vaginal discharge
Discomfort or pain during sex
Lower back pain.
How can I book for a check up?
Cervical screening is a free health test that helps prevent cervical cancer. It checks for a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). If a patient is found to have HPV, they will also be screened for cervical cell changes - also known as abnormal cells.
People aged 25-49 are screened every three years and those aged 50-64 every five years. People aged over 65 are only screened if one of their last three tests was abnormal.
Anyone due for cervical screening, will receive an invitation to book an appointment. Measures are in place to help protect patients and staff during the pandemic and it is still safe to attend your appointment.
Why aren't people getting their cervical screening?
The DHSC said the latest figures from March 2021 show that 30% of eligible individuals – women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 – were not screened.
The department said around 2,700 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England each year and approximately 690 die from the disease.
Previous estimates suggest screening prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths, but 83% of deaths could be prevented if everyone attended regularly, the DHSC said.
A survey of 3,000 people, commissioned by DHSC, revealed that embarrassment was the most common reason for never having attended or missing an appointment – stated by 42% of respondents.
This was followed by those who “kept putting it off” (34%) and “being worried it would be painful” (28%).
The survey results suggested that 15% of lesbian or bisexual women over 25 had never had a smear test, compared with 7% of women over 25 in general.
The majority of those surveyed (89%) said they were glad they attended a cervical screening.
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Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and medical director for primary care at NHS England, said: “There is no doubt about it – cervical screening saves lives.
“By screening for risk signs at an early stage, it means that any abnormal cells can be treated quickly before they potentially develop into cancer.
“We know that it can feel embarrassing or feel like something that you can easily put off, but accepting your invite and getting checked could save your life.”
Helen Donovan, Royal College of Nursing professional lead for public health, said: “Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in women and it is vital that when the letter comes to make an appointment for screening it is not ignored.
“The check only takes a moment, can bring peace of mind, and specialist nursing staff will be there every step of the way.”