One in five Hastings women is missing smear test
Almost one in five women in Hastings invited for a smear tests last year did not turn up to their appointment.
All women aged between 25 and 64 are urged to take regular checks to avoid cervical cancer going undiagnosed.
Cervical cancer is the most preventable form of cancer, yet it is still the second biggest cancer killer of women in their early 30s in the UK.
Experts estimate that as many as 40 per cent of women under the age of 35 do not have a regular smear test.
Reality TV star Jade Goody, pictured, died from the illness last year and nationally the number of women taking regular tests increased amid a wave of publicity.
However, despite the 'Jade effect', NHS Hastings and Rother staff have revealed that across 2008/09 19 per cent of women due an appointment did not take the offer up.
Cervical screening nurse consultant Jenny Greenfield said: "As always, regular screening is the most effective way of finding a problem early and preventing a cancer from developing.
"Cervical screening can prevent around 75 per cent of cancer cases in women who attend regularly. Many who develop it have never been screened. So you could say the biggest risk is actually not having the regular smear tests."
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and the majority of sexually active women will come into contact with high risk types of HPV at some time in their life.
In most women, their body's own immune system will get rid of the infection without them ever knowing it was there. However, a minority who are positive for high risk HPV types will develop cervical abnormalities which could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.
Smear tests begins at 25, with invitations for screening repeated every three years until the age of 49, and then every five years between the ages of 50 and 64 years old.
Mrs Greenfield added: "HPV is a very common infection and up to 75 per cent of people of reproductive age will be infected with it at some time in their lives.
"For the majority of women it won't cause a lasting problem but every year in the UK, over 2,800 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 1,000 women will die from the disease so screening needs to be taken seriously."
Screening is offered by GP practices, family planning and sexual health clinics.
Anyone aged 25-64 who missed their last smear test – or is due to have one shortly can book an appointment by calling Jenny Greenfield on 07881 501126.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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