WARRINGTON women are being advised to check the date of their last smear test – because it could save their lives.
NHS Warrington says women should start the year by making sure they attend regular screenings to prevent cervical cancer.
“Many women forget to book, or put off screenings, and sadly for some the consequences can be devastating,” a spokeswoman said.
In the UK cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women under 35 and each year around 2,800 women are diagnosed with the disease.
Warrington’s public health director, Dr Rita Robertson, said “We are strongly encouraging anyone who hasn’t had their smear to go. It’s a really simple test which could save your life.
“Being screened regularly means that any abnormal changes in the cervix can be identified early on and this can make all the difference. Early detection and treatment can prevent up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers from developing.”
NHS Warrington is also encouraging teenage girls to opt for the HPV or human papillomavirus vaccine to reduce the risk of cervical cancer in later life.
The vaccine is being offered to all 12 and 13-year-old girls in school year 8. It protects against the two types of HPV which cause more than 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
Further details are available at GP surgeries or at www.nhs.uk
WARRINGTON women are being advised to check the date of their last smear test - because it could save their lives.
The test that saves lives
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