A Lancashire doctor is urging the public to keep booking their cervical screenings appointments this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (17-23 January 2022), after a “significant drop” in routine bookings since the start of the pandemic.

The Cancer Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria is encouraging women and people with a cervix to attend screening if they receive an appointment invitation.

Dr Neil Smith, GP and Cancer Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “A cervical screening is not a test for cancer, it is a test to help prevent cancer.

Lancashire Telegraph: Dr Neil Smith, GP and Primary Care Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria Dr Neil Smith, GP and Primary Care Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria

“It is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer and you can request a female nurse or doctor.

“It may be a little uncomfortable but only takes a few minutes and could save your life. Anyone with concerns or questions should contact their GP practice.”

Dr Smith said having a cervical screening is “one of the most important things to you do” to protect yourself from the risk of cervical cancer.

He said: “Cervical screening saves lives by finding early abnormalities that can be treated even before cancer begins.

Cervical cancer is rare but does happen in younger women and it is important not to ignore possible symptoms, such as bleeding between periods, after sex and after menopause; changes to vaginal discharge; pain during or after sex; and unexplained lower back or pelvic pain. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your GP.

“They can assess you over the phone or by video call, and then they will decide if they need to see you at a face-to-face appointment for a further examination. Don’t risk your long-term health by delaying getting the help you need.”

Cervical screening is a free health test that helps prevent cervical cancer. It checks for a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) and if you have HPV, cervical cell changes (abnormal cells).

HPV is an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact, which 80% of people will come into contact with at some point.

Many strains are harmless and don’t cause problems – but some strains are considered high-risk and 99.7% of all cervical cancer cases are believed to be caused by these, so tackling HPV is an important step in the fight against the disease

Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 49 are screened every three years, and those aged 50 to 64 every five years. People aged over 65 are only screened if one of their last three tests was abnormal.

The NHS cervical screening programme (aka smear tests) has seen significant developments since starting in the 1960s and now prevents around 75% of cervical cancers each year, as leading cervical cancer charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust points out.

However, Jo’s chief executive, Samantha Dixon notes there has also been a “significant drop” in people staying up to date with their smears due to the pandemic, and uptake is at the lowest it’s been in decades.

“The pressures on the NHS have had a huge impact,” says Dixon, “with some people not being able to go, or not wanting to go for a screening, and some GPs stopped offering screenings for a while or levels dropped off.”

Catching up with routine healthcare is vital though, and the charity is urging all eligible people to book their smear.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity, providing information and support to anyone affected and campaigning for excellence in cervical cancer treatment, care, and prevention. Its national Helpline is free, confidential and on 0808 802 8000.

Infection control measures are in place to ensure screening appointments continue.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms you should self-isolate and book a PCR test. You should not book an appointment until you have finished isolating.

If you have concerns please contact your GP practice to discuss your situation.