Surveys undertaken by cancer charities indicate embarrassment and a lack of understanding of the causes of cervical cancer may be behind the fall in numbers attending. However, only a small proportion of women infected with HPV develop cervical cancer because the cancer results only from certain types of persistent HPV infection. Around 900 women die of cervical cancer in England each year.
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He added: “While 70% of eligible women took up their invitation to be screened for cervical cancer in the last three years, it is essential that every woman in Scotland eligible for screening takes up their invitation to attend”. Mr Pisal discusses why so many are responsible for missing their screenings, “It is understandable why so many women are missing their tests, with many of my patients being either scared or embarrassed about getting it done”.
“Cancer of the cervix is usually easier to treat the earlier it is diagnosed and cervical cancer at an early stage can often be treated with a single operation”.
Pap screenings are used to detect potentially cancerous cells in the cervix.
“We know that screening is the best way to detect cervical cancer at its earliest stage”.
Some symptoms associated with cervical cancer include abnormal bleeding; post-menopausal bleeding; unusual discharge; discomfort or pain during sex and lower back pain.
It is also calling for greater investment in targeted awareness campaigns for women of every age.
An HPV test is also recommended for women over age 30 in order to identify high-risk types of HPV that are commonly found in cervical cancer. I am giving the vaccine to my children and I would encourage you to do the same. Thankfully, there is a vaccination that can help prevent this virus, thus reducing the risk for cancer.
Simple and effective screening tests, such as the pap test and the HPV test, have made cervical cancer one of the most preventable cancers.
By contrast the take-up rate for 25 to 49-year-old women in Bradford is only 69 per cent with the overall rate for all age groups standing at 71.9 per cent – significantly below the national average of 73.5 per cent.
“It’s estimated that early detection and treatment through cervical screening can prevent up to 75 percent of cervical cancers from developing in the UK”. This discussion can serve as a vital part of cervical cancer prevention.
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NHS England’s Screening and Immunisation teams work with GP practices to increase awareness and are supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.
