PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has called for greater measures to help prevent cervical cancer, including strategies to increase the uptake of screening, and continued promotion of the HPV vaccination.

Ahead of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which runs until Saturday, Mr Stephenson attended a parliamentary event hosted by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, where declining year on year rates of cervical screening were discussed.

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He said: “Cervical cancer and its prevention is an important issue which directly impacts on the lives of many women and their families in Pendle.

“I was concerned to hear about the worrying figures for cervical screening uptake and that there are still girls choosing not to have the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine.

"I have challenged NHS England, and East Lancashire NHS Area Team in particular, which is responsible for screening and immunisation in Pendle, to develop an action plan to ensure that women and girls are aware of the symptoms and impact of cervical cancer and to increase uptake of screening. and HPV vaccination.

“I fully welcome the actions of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust in their work to help prevent cervical cancer, and I am asking everyone to join them in the fight to eradicate this disease.”

Robert Music, chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “Every day we see the devastating impact a cervical cancer diagnosis can have on both a woman and her loved ones. But to know that for those that delayed their screening before diagnosis, this could have been prevented, is tragic.

“It’s now time that we see increased investment in targeted awareness campaigns at a local level so that everyone has a clear understanding of the importance of both cervical screening and HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer.”