Guernsey cervical screening service campaign

The government is urging employers to support people to attend the screenings

Health bosses are urging eligible people to come forward for a free cervical smear test in Guernsey.

They made the plea to coincide with Cervical Cancer Prevention Week which starts on Monday.

Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 can go for their regular free screening appointment when they are invited.

Employers are asked to help them find the time to attend.

Cervical screening detects human papillomavirus, or (HPV), a viral infection passed between people through skin-to-skin and sexual contact, which is the main cause of cervical cancer.

If HPV is detected the screening sample will then be checked for any underlying abnormalities of the cervical cells.

Diane Mathews, strategy lead for screening, said: "Cervical screening is a vital test that can detect the first signs of cervical disease which means treatment can be given early before any abnormal cells turn cancerous."

The HPV vaccine, which is given free to year 8 students, also helps protect against cancers caused by HPV including cervical cancer and some mouth and throat cancers.

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