Cancer Focus NI have said local people are again "being failed by our political leaders".
It comes as there are reported delays of up to ten weeks for smear test results in Northern Ireland.
Cervical screening is offered to women aged between 25 and 64 to prevent cervical cancer.
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Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn says it's a "scandal" that women are "being let down like this".
Director of Services for Cancer Focus NI, Dervilia Kernaghan told Be: "Post pandemic, many NHS services are experiencing delays from services.
"A lot of people were worried about visiting their GP or attending routine appointments. As things have improved more people are now attending screening appointments. This is causing delays in some areas due to the volume of samples being analysed. Staffing pressures in the laboratories, can also cause delays to results being sent out.
"Trusts have a four-week target for the reporting of smear test results and there are reported delays of up to 10 weeks.
"Since cervical cancer generally takes years to develop a short delay in reporting an abnormal sample is unlikely to have long-term consequences. However, these delays are clearly very concerning for people and their wider family circle as they await results."
Dervilia added: "As the voice of local cancer patients, Cancer Focus NI feels that yet again, local people are being failed by our political leaders. We need a properly functioning Executive to ensure funding and resources to enable the immediate and full implementation the new Cancer Strategy 2022-2032 which we worked so hard to develop."
A smear test is designed to spot any unusual changes before cervical cancer develops.
"Therefore, it is so important to go for your smear test when invited.
"Women in Northern Ireland are offered screening every three years from the age of 25 to 49. Women aged 50-64 continue to be offered screening every five years. In Northern Ireland the majority of smear tests are carried out in a Primary Care Setting e.g. in a GP surgery/health centre.
"Most smear test results are normal. If an abnormal result is reported here then a report will be sent to the GP with recommendations as to what would be the best step to take next, e.g. a repeat smear test or referral to a colposcopy clinic," the Director or Services said.
The charity added that they know smear tests can cause worry or anxiety.
Dervilia said: "This simple procedure can detect any abnormalities at the earliest possible opportunity that may need further investigation. The nature of the procedure means that some women may avoid or delay in making an appointment for a smear test as they may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.
"So many women have very understandable reasons for avoiding a smear. However, as it can detect the potential cancer before it develops, it's important to attend when invited. You can speak to your nurse or Doctor if you are nervous about screening. They can talk through any questions or concerns you have."
Cervical cancer screening is not a test for cancer and is a method of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities that if left untreated could lead to cancer in a woman’s cervix, Cancer Focus NI explained.
"The risk of invasive cervical cancer is reduced by up to 90% for women who regularly participate in organised programmes using recommended screening tests. In other words, 9 out of 10 invasive cancers can be prevented by screening. If you undergo screening, your risk of dying from cervical cancer will be greatly reduced," Dervilia added.
The charity urges women to see their GP if they notice:
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after the menopause
- Heavy discharge
- Pain during sex
Dervilia urges people to know that getting checked out "is not wasting anyone's time".
She continued: "The symptoms outlined above are often caused by something less serious and don’t usually mean it is cancer. However, finding cancer early makes it more treatable.
"A trip to the doctors could be lifesaving. If in doubt get it checked out. If it’s not serious your mind will be put at rest.
"Download our information leaflet on common female cancers with a focus on cervical cancer here.
"If you are unsure of what to do next you can talk with one of our nurses on our free and confidential support Nurse Line on 0800 783 3339 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am – 1pm). You can also email us on nurseline@cancerfocusni.org."
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn "expressed serious concern" regarding the delay for smear test results in Northern Ireland.
The West Belfast MLA said: "The early detection and treatment of cervical cancer can save lives, it is a scandal that women are being let down like this.
"Despite the best efforts of healthcare workers there just simply isn't enough of them to carry out this work.
"Sinn Féin will be meeting the health minister next week to discuss the urgent need to recruit more doctors and nurses, cut waiting lists and to properly invest in our health service.
“The people suffering from one party's boycott of the Assembly and Executive are those women waiting anxiously for their smear test results and others struggling on waiting lists or unable to see their doctor.
“We are ready to get around the table with others today to do the job we are elected to do, that means making health a priority and working to fix the problems in our health service now.”
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