Eligible islanders urged to book free smear test

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month

Eligible islanders are being encouraged to take up the offer of a free smear test during cervical cancer awareness month.

As part of a States of Guernsey campaign, resident Ruby Tapp has shared a short video explaining her cervical cancer journey and addressing screening myths.

It said women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 could book a regular free screening appointment when invited by their GP.

Eligible islanders should attend their screenings regularly as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) could lie dormant for many years, the States said.

Early detection vital

HPV, a type of viral infection that is the main cause of cervical cancer, can be detected by screenings.

The States said screenings were recommended every three years for those aged 25 to 49, and every five years for those aged 50 to 64.

If HPV is detected, the screening sample will then be checked for any changes to the cells in the cervix, health bosses said.

If caught early, these can be treated before they turn into cervical cancer.

'Saved my life'

Ms Tapp was found to have HPV and cell changes after her first screening appointment aged 25.

"I would like to encourage anyone invited for cervical screening to take up the appointment, I did and it saved my life," she said.

Diane Mathews, strategic lead for screening for the States, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Ruby for making this video and sharing her story.

"Cervical cancer is preventable and curable, and we now have the tools to make the disease a thing of the past."