Young women are avoiding getting smear tests because they are embarrassed by the look and smell of their pubic areas, a survey suggests.

The charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust surveyed 2,017 British women.

A third said embarrassment caused them to delay getting a smear test, which can prevent 75% of cervical cancers.

The charity said cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35,, external yet almost two-thirds of those surveyed weren't aware they're most at risk.

A total of 220,000 British women are diagnosed with cervical abnormalities each year.

Read more here.

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The number of women going to cervical screenings in Scotland has risen from last year's 10-year low, but is still falling short of a government target.

NHS figures show, external that as of 31 March, 73.4% of eligible women attended screenings compared to 69.2% in 2016 and 70.4% in 2015.

The Health Improvement Scotland target is for 80% to attend screenings.

The second phase of an NHS campaign to encourage more women to have a smear test is due to start in October.

Read more here.

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Professor Bob Steele says the most effective tool diagnostic test is a sensitive test for blood in stool.

Dr Christine Campbell says there is a need for sustained cancer awareness campaigns.

A simplified screening test to detect the symptoms of bowel cancer has been launched in Scotland following a successful pilot.

The new test only requires collecting one stool sample compared to the six separate samples previously required.

The test will be offered every two years to all men and women in Scotland aged between 50 and 74.

It is hoped the easier process will encourage more people to participate in the screening test.

Bowel cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in Scotland.

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Professor Annie Anderson, co-director of the Scottish Cancer Prevention Network, says football clubs can play a crucial role in raising awareness of cancer screening.

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Committee convener Lewis Macdonald asks about the rationale for the Detect Cancer Early programme, external.

Dr Christine Campbell says the programme tries to address the fatalism around a diagnosis of cancer.

Janice Preston from Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland says when health messages are made national it does not chime with what people see out of their window.

Ms Preston says it is about gaining trust and community spaces must be used more.

Dr Campbell says embarrassment is a huge issue.

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The committee is hearing from:

• Euan Paterson from the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland, external
• Dr Christine Campbell of the Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, external
• Professor Annie Anderson, Co-Director of the Scottish Cancer Prevention Network, external
• Professor Bob Steele, Co-Director of the Scottish Cancer Prevention Network
• Dr David Morrison from NHS National Services Scotland, external
• Gregor McNie of Cancer Research UK, external
• Janice Preston from Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, external

This morning the committee is taking evidence on two items.

• View the meeting papers., external

Firstly it will consider detecting cancer early with:

• Euan Paterson from Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland
• Dr Christine Campbell of the Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh
• Professor Annie Anderson, Co-Director of the Scottish Cancer Prevention Network
• Professor Bob Steele, Co-Director of the Scottish Cancer Prevention Network
• Dr David Morrison from NHS National Services Scotland
• Gregor McNie of Cancer Research UK
• Janice Preston from Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland

See the written submissions here., external

Image source, SNS

After that, it will discuss care home sustainability with two panels.

The first will include:

• Fraser McKinlay of Audit Scotland
• Claire Sweeney of Audit Scotland

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The second is:

• Health Secretary Shona Robison
• Geoff Huggins, Director for Health and Social Care Integration at the Scottish government
• Jamie MacDougall, Deputy Director for Care, Support and Rights at the Scottish government

Read the written submissions here., external

This morning the Health and Sport Committee begins at 9:30am with a roundtable on early cancer detection as part of its preventative agenda inquiry.

The committee will then take evidence on care home sustainability from Audit Scotland and Health Secretary Shona Robison.

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Following topical questions this afternoon, the Equalities and Human Rights Committee leads a debate on 'Making the Most of Equalities and Human Rights Levers'.

MSPs will then mark 100 years of women's right to vote.

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The day will end with SNP MSP GIllian Martin leading a members' debate on cyber-resilience among young people.