Scottish women are being urged to attend cervical cancer screenings, as over one in three aren't taking up their invitation for the test that can detect the deadly disease.
New data from Public Health Scotland (PHS) shows the number of women screened for cervical cancer has dropped in the last year, with those from more deprived areas less likely to attend their regular screenings.
Also called a smear test, cervical cancer screenings are offered to all Scottish women aged 25 to 49 every three years, while those aged 50 to 64 every five years. Cancer Research UK states that nearly a staggering 99 per cent of cases are preventable, and screenings offer the best protection against cervical cancer.
According to PHS, only 68.7 per cent of women were up to date on their screening in the year up to March 2022. Young women were less likely to be screened, with just 65.7 per cent of aged 25 to 49 up to date, compared to 73.7 per cent of the older age group.
The figures also fluctuates depending on affluence, with 62.4 per cent of women in the most deprived areas of Scotland up to date, compared to 73.1 per cent in the least deprived.
Samantha Dixon, the chief executive of charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “To see falling cervical screening coverage in almost every age group, and almost all health boards is alarming.
“We have a test that can stop cervical cancer yet over one in three are not taking up their invitation. The latest statistics clearly show that those living in the most deprived areas are far less likely to go for cervical screening.
“This inequality should not exist and must be a focus for initiatives to increase awareness and reduce barriers to attendance. If we do not, the potential to eliminate cervical cancer will get further away.”
Cervical cancer signs to look out for
According to the NHS, symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- vaginal bleeding that's unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
- changes to your vaginal discharge
- pain during sex
- pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “The incidence of cervical cancer has decreased to the lowest recorded at 9.4 cases per 100,000 persons in 2020, the latest year for which data is available. Despite this success, it is disappointing that uptake is below the Healthcare Improvement Scotland target of 80 per cent and that uptake during 2021/22 has fallen from 2020/21.
“We recognise that the reasons for this are complex, and that the impacts of Covid-19 may still be playing a part. We are working closely with partners to understand if there are any other contributory factors, and to increase uptake once again.
“We committed £2 million over 2021/22 and 2022/23 to tackle inequalities in the cancer screening programmes. This funding has supported Health Boards to develop local initiatives to meet the needs of their populations; development of better data capabilities so interventions can be more targeted; and work to raise the profile of screening among specific groups.
“In 23/24, an additional £1 million will be provided to build on this work.”
Cervical cancer symptoms can also be experienced by those who suffer from endometriosis, fibroids and other chronic conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have cervical cancer, but it is recommended that you get them checked by a GP.
If you already experience these symptoms, you should seek medical advice if they get worse, or change in any way you are not used to.
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