More women encouraged to attend cervical screenings

Invites are usually sent every three years by the NHS

Women are being encouraged to attend "life-saving" cervical screenings, as the average number of people being tested fails to hit the national target.

Healthwatch in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has pushed for more women to attend outreach clinics for cervical cancer screenings.

The number of women between 25 and 49 who attend regional screenings has fallen slightly and remained below the national average.

Chief executive officer at Healthwatch, Jess Slater, said the procedure was quick and easy, but could be "life-saving" for women.

In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, 180,755 women were eligible for a screening in the first quarter of 2024, to 2025.

About 65.33% attended an appointment, slightly below the national average of 67.11% and far from the national target of 80%.

The appointments can been booked by telephone and are being held in Peterborough, Fenland and the Huntingdon area.

The free NHS screening will test for human papillomavirus (HPV) - the virus that causes cervical cancer.

It involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix and is offered by the NHS to all women and people with a cervix, aged between 25 and 64.

If any abnormal cells are found, they can be removed or monitored to prevent cancer developing.

Ms Slater said while it was not mandatory, she recommended anyone over the age of 25 who received a letter regarding a screening to book an appointment.

She said: "People are missing their appointments and not going for their tests, so we do encourage people to go, because it does prevent any possible health problems in the future.

"It's not particularly uncomfortable, but if you feel any discomfort, it's for a couple of minutes only.

"They keep your dignity and then it's over and done with, but those few minutes could be life-saving to some people."

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough encouraged anyone who had positive experiences at screenings to share their feedback, to support others in knowing what to expect.