WOMEN in Barnsley are being encouraged to take up cervical screening.
They are invited to take part in the test, which detects abnormal cells, between the ages of 25 and 64. But one in three woman aged 25 to 29 do not attend cervical screening.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer; it checks the health of the cells and detects any abnormal changes. Most changes won’t lead to cervical cancer and cells may go back to normal on their own but in some cases abnormal cells need to be removed so they can’t become cancerous.
It is estimated that early detection and treatment through cervical screening can prevent up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers from developing. If cancer is detected early, there is a much higher chance of survival in comparison to cancers caught at a later stage.
Dr David Crichton, a GP and a clinical lead for South Yorkshire, Bassetlaw and North Derbyshire Cancer Alliance, said: “A lot of women put off attending cervical screening due to embarrassment or fear that the test may hurt. Women have absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about, the doctor or nurse performing the screenings do this all the time and they are there to support and comfort women not to judge.
“Some women find the procedure a bit uncomfortable but for most women it’s not painful - tell the doctor or nurse if you have concerns. I urge everyone who receives their screening invitation to take up the offer as soon as possible it could be lifesaving.”
