A COUNCIL has backed an NHS drive aimed at protecting women against cervical cancer.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has backed a campaign by NHS Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group to encourage women aged between 25 and 64 to attend their smear test, and remove barriers to access.

Blackburn GP and cancer lead for Blackburn with Darwen CCG, Dr Neil Smith said: "Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, screening prevents cancer by detecting early abnormalities in the cervix, so they can be treated.

"If these abnormalities are left untreated they can lead to cancer of the cervix (the neck of the womb).

"We know that on average cervical screening helps save the lives of approximately 4,500 women in England every year.

"Unfortunately, we also know that there is a recent and worrying trend of fewer women attending screening; especially in the 25 – 29 age group.

"Also, across the UK figures for those not attending screening show a significant rise as age increases, suggesting that as women age, they consider screening less important.

"We are working to try to encourage more women of all ages to attend for their smear."