IMPORTANT HEALTH ADVICE FOR WOMEN IN BRIGG AREA

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire Council is urging young women aged 25 to 49 in North Lincolnshire to have a smear test after figures reveal 30 per cent are not attending.
New research reveals that young women in North Lincolnshire aged between 25 and 49 in North Lincolnshire are less likely to attend a smear test in comparison to women aged 50 to 64.
In 2015/16 in North Lincolnshire only 70 per cent of eligible young women had a smear test compared to 79 per cent of women aged 50 to 64.
Every year in the UK, over 3,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under. In North Lincolnshire there are between 10 and 15 women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.  
This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22 to 28 January 2017) we are urging all women, especially young women to attend their cervical smear test when invited – it could save lives.
Cervical screening isn’t a test for cancer; it’s a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix (the entrance to the womb). Most women’s test results show that everything is normal, but for around one in 20 women the test shows some abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.
The research from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) shows that the number of women of all eligible ages having a smear test in North Lincolnshire is decreasing year-on-year. In 2014 78.2 per cent attended and in 2015 only 77.2 per cent of women attended.
The symptoms of cervical cancer aren’t always obvious, and it may not cause any symptoms at all until it’s reached an advanced stage. This is why it’s very important that women attend all of their cervical screening appointments. In most cases, vaginal bleeding is the first noticeable symptom of cervical cancer. It usually occurs after having sex. Bleeding at any other time, other than your expected monthly period is also considered unusual. Other symptoms of cervical cancer may include pain and discomfort during sex and an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge.
To find out more about Cervical Cancer Prevention Week visit Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust website: www.jostrust.org.uk. For more information about cervical cancer and the NHS cervical screening programme visit www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-cervix
Coun Carl Sherwood (Brigg & Wolds), Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “A surprising one in four young women are not attending their cervical screening in North Lincolnshire. This is a high percentage and we are urging women of all ages not to ignore their invite for a smear test. Even though the test isn’t for cancer, it could save lives.
“Cervical screening gives women peace of mind and could protect you against anything serious developing.
“If you haven’t had your smear test, don’t put it off any longer – get in touch with you GP as soon as possible.”
Dr Phil Kirby, Screening and Immunisation Lead, NHS England – North (Yorkshire and the Humber) said: “We understand that going for cervical smear test can be daunting but a cervical screen test takes five minutes, is painless, and if you attend each time you’re invited it provides a high degree of protection against developing cervical cancer.
“It’s actually estimated that early detection and treatment through cervical screening can prevent up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers from developing in the UK. Therefore we want to urge all women who are eligible to attend their smear when they are invited, or book one if they’ve missed their last smear test by calling their GP, and ensure they stay healthy.”