Embarassment, nervousness, and worries about tests being painful are putting women off attending potentially life-saving cervical screening appointments.
A new survey conducted for the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England found that, although the majority (89%) of women and people with a cervix were glad they attended a cervical screening and 81% felt the health professional put them at ease during the test, there are still numerous barriers that prevent people from booking a cervical smear when invited.
Embarrassment was the most common reason for never having attended or missing an appointment (42% of respondents), followed by those who “kept putting it off” (34%) and those who were “worried it would be painful” (28%).
Seven per cent of women over 25 surveyed said they had never had a smear test, rising to 15% among lesbian or bisexual women.
The DHSC and NHS have launched a campaign to encourage those who are eligible for a cervical screening not to ignore their invite and to book an appointment with their GP or sexual health clinic if they missed their last one.
In England, NHS cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 24 and 49 every three years. For those between the ages of 50 and 64, screening is offered every five years.
The latest figures from March 2021 showed that 30% of eligible people aged between 25 and 64 have not been screened.
Around 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England each year, and approximately 690 women die from the disease.
Cervical screening is vital for detecting high risk types of human papilloma virus (HPV) – the virus that can cause the disease – so that treatment can begin as early as possible, maximising a person’s chances of survival.
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Most people catch HPV at some point, and not everyone who catches HPV will get cervical cancer, but the test can check for abnormal cell changes that can be easily treated and can prevent cancer.
Research published in the British Journal of Cancer has suggested that screening prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths, but 83% of deaths could be prevented if everyone attended regularly.
The DHSC and NHS England said that “life-saving conversations” – something that occupational health professionals might consider having with eligible employees – could help tackle many of the barriers to attending cervical screening appointments.
However, around one in 10 (12%) of those surveyed said they did not feel comfortable discussing a cervical screening with anyone. Just under half would talk to their friend (48%) or their partner (46%) and two in five would talk to their mother (39%).
Maria Caulfield, minister for patient safety and primary care, said: “Around two women die every day from cervical cancer, but screening takes just a few minutes and can stop the disease before it starts.
“Through our new campaign we’re calling on all women and people with a cervix to get screened to help save hundreds of lives. Even if you’re feeling embarrassed or nervous, please don’t ignore your invitation.”
The campaign – which will run via TV advertising, video on demand services and social media – will include activity targeted at LGBTQ+ communities and Black and South Asian people, who are among the groups least likely to take up cervical screening.
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GP Dr Zoe Williams, who features in the campaign, said: “The symptoms of cervical cancer are not always obvious, and there may not be any symptoms at all until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. That’s why it’s important that you attend all your cervical screening appointments.
“If you are feeling nervous or embarrassed, then I cannot encourage you enough to talk to your nurse during the test and remember you are in control and can stop the test whenever you want to. If you’re worried about feeling exposed, I would suggest wearing a skirt, dress or long jumper when you go for your screening.”
