Eastleigh MP Mims Davies is supporting Cervical Screening Awareness Week (11-17 June) to highlight the potential life-saving benefits of cervical screening (smear tests).
Cervical screening prevents up to 75% of cervical cancers from developing and saves an estimated 5,000 lives across the UK every year. However, one in four women do not attend when invited – rising to one in three in 25 to 29 year olds.
Mims said:
“It may seem embarrassing or uncomfortable to attend a smear test, but I really do urge Eastleigh constituents to take up their invitation when it comes and especially the 25-29 year old women who are currently least likely to go.
“Medical professionals will always be reassuring and it is so important that our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends are supported through this vital test that may well save their life in the long run – husbands, brothers, boyfriends, make sure the women in your life go get checked!
“Women’s health concerns have been a recurring aspect of my casework and campaigning as Eastleigh’s MP, and raising awareness is such an important method of combatting threats to our health and happiness.”
Robert Music, CEO of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said:
“We’re delighted to have Mims’ support. It’s extremely concerning that despite cervical screening protecting against 75% of all cervical cancers, and that cervical screening coverage in England is at a 20 year low.
“We have a free Helpline where women can call if they have any questions about cervical screening, no question is too big or small. We would like all women to feel they can make an informed decision in attending this potentially life-saving test.”
Find out more about Cervical Screening Awareness Week at jostrust.org.uk/csaw