HEALTH MATTERS: Cervical screening saves lives – please don't ignore the invitation to get checked over
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Last week was Cervical Screening Awareness Week which aims to encourage women and people with a cervix to take up their invitation to have their smear test.
We know that some individuals may be anxious about attending for cervical screening and NHS Highland worked closely with Jo’s Cervical Trust to share information about the test on our social media channels throughout the week. You can find out more about Jo’s Cervical Trust at www.jostrust.org.uk
Cervical screening is a quick test to check the cervix, which is the neck of the womb, for the human papillomavirus (HPV). Smear tests are routinely offered to women and people with a cervix in Scotland between the ages of 25 and 64.
HPV is a very common virus that 80 per cent of people in Scotland have at some point in their lives. You can have it for years without even knowing. However, it causes nearly all cervical cancers. Therefore, we are keen that individuals don’t ignore their invitations to take part in cervical screening.
Most people are tested at their GP practice, and your GP or practice nurse will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you have about cervical screening.
You can also ask for extra support for your appointment. For example, you can ask for a translator, female nurse or a GP. You can also book a longer appointment if you would like to take time to talk things through.
The test usually takes five minutes and it is the best way to find out if you are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Cervical screening aims to pick up changes before they develop into cancer. Therefore, taking part in screening can help prevent cervical cancer before it even starts, and it can help find changes when you feel healthy and have no symptoms.
If you have unusual discharge, or bleeding after sex, between periods or after the menopause, don’t wait for your screening invitation but contact your GP practice straight away, even if you have recently had a normal cervical screening result.
These symptoms are usually caused by something other than cancer but it’s important to have them checked.
For more information about cervical screening and to find information in different formats and languages including easy read, BSL and audio visit:
NHS Inform: www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/cervical/cervical-screening-smear-test
Information about cervical screening for the transgender community is available at: www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/screening-information-for-the-transgender-community
Jane Chandler is a health improvement specialist with NHS Highland’s public health team.
