Do not let embarrassment smear your chances of survival, says Dr Zahid Chauhan

GP Dr Zahid Chauhan

Cervical cancer kills nearly 900 hundred women each year and is the most common form of cancer in females under 35 in the UK.

93% of cervical cancer cases are actually preventable through a vaccine called Gardasil (usually administered to girls aged 12-13), avoiding cigarettes (since people who smoke are less able to get rid of the infection which can develop into cancer), hygienic sexual health and regular cervical screening.

The latter is particularly effective and saves up to 5,000 lives a year. And yet recent research has shown that the number of women having what is more commonly known as  a “smear test” is shrinking, with a third of young women delaying screening due to ignorance and embarrassment around issues like body shape and personal cleanliness.

I am proud that my NHS colleagues not only exercise professionalism in all that they do, but show general and cultural sensitivity to their patients. Remember that our female employees will have had smear tests too and that many of us, men and women, are parents with young daughters. We know that smear tests save lives, so let nothing stand in your way when it comes to having one!

What cervical screening does is detect any abnormal cells that may lead to cases of cancer. As this particular form of the disease affects those who are more sexually active, women aged between 25 and 49 are invited by their local surgery to be screened every three years. That rises to five years for those aged 50 to 64.

The process of screening takes just five minutes and for most women, is painless. Once the test is complete, samples are sent to the lab and results return in just two weeks. If changes to the cervix are detected (especially if they are deemed high risk) then, and only then, will further action be required.

Nearly 95% of smear tests come back negative. Even in the worst case scenario, an early result means more effective treatment and it is worth noting that cervical cancer survival rates of above ten years have risen from 46% in the 1970s to 63% now.

Contemplating any form of cancer is difficult. The NHS screening programme that detects it, but more often than not puts minds at rest, has to be taken advantage of. In charity Jo’s Trust, women should trust. With its hotline to help those worried about cervical cancer and its bright campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of screening, you have both a bold charity and an empathetic health service at your disposal.

So make sure you get your smear test done.

Learn about Jo’s Trust at www.jostrust.org.uk