Women miss screening to spot early signs of cancer

Feb 13 2008 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

THREE out of 10 women in Knowsley are failing to attend vital screening appointments which could save their lives.

And with figures showing 50% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Merseyside have never attended a cervical screening test, Knowsley Primary Care Trust (PCT) has launched a campaign to promote regular screening to reduce cancer cases.

The tests detect any abnormal cells which could develop into cervical cancer, and save thousands of lives every year.

Throughout February, which is cervical cancer awareness month, Knowsley PCT public health team will be working with GP practices, community sexual health clinics, leisure centres, beauty salons, libraries and pubs to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer and the importance of attending for regular smear tests.

Jan Sorvel, 28, from Widnes, was told she had the early stages of cancer after a smear.

She said: “I was 12 months from my next official screening when I started to show symptoms.

“I thought it was unusual and asked my GP for an early smear.”

ŠAs happens with one in 10 examinations, Jan’s smear showed the abnormal changes that act as an early warning that cervical cancer might develop in the future.

ŠJan’s doctor referred her for a colposcopy.

Š“I called two to three weeks later for the results and was told I had the early stages of cancer. I was referred to my local hospital for an appointment next day,” she said.

ŠThe council worker had an operation called a cone biopsy to remove the abnormal area but doctors were still concerned and recommended a further operation to remove more tissue, but that was cancer free.

ŠCervical screening is the best way of preventing cervical cancer and is offered every 3 years for women aged 25 and 49, and every 5 years for those aged 50 to 64.

Dr Diana Forrest, Director of Public Health said: “A cervical smear test is quick and simple. There are many risk factors involved in cervical cancer but the greatest one is failing to have regular smears. The sooner an abnormality is found, the easier it is to treat and the risk of cervical cancer is greatly reduced.”

lizawilliams