Show your cervix you care this Cervical Screening Awareness Week
As part of Cervical Screening Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone with a cervix that even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, regular cervical screening is essential.
Cervical screening detects abnormal cells in the cervix, which can be caused by the HPV virus and lead to a risk of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is highly effective but doesn’t cover all cancer-causing strains of the virus.
Screening remains a vital part of protecting against cervical cancer. The test can detect harmful changes, which can be treated before cancer develops.
Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited to attend a smear test.
Local resident Lucy Skoulding, 30, shared her experience to encourage other young people to book their screening appointment.
Lucy said: “I think the Love Your Cervix campaign is a brilliant way to get this important message across. Especially the fact that it's emphasising that you should still get your smear test even if you're in your 20s and you've had the HPV vaccine.
"I know someone who sadly passed away from cervical cancer in her 20s and there are honestly no words to describe how devastating this is, and the insurmountable loss her family and friends feel.
"So please, please get your cervical screening. It’s wild how common HPV is, yet a smear test can catch anything unusual early - before it turns into something serious.
"It's completely understandable if you're a bit nervous or anxious about what it will be like, or you feel a bit awkward, but I promise, hand on heart, that it's ok. I've had 2 now and both times the doctors were incredible and made me feel really relaxed. You can also take someone with you if you want.
"Also just remember that this is not a test for cancer - it’s a test to stop cancer from ever happening.
"I went, it was so quick, and now I want to make sure everyone with a cervix knows it could save your life. So please book it in, do it and make sure you tell all your loved ones to love their cervix and book their screenings too.”
Love your Cervix
This year also marks the launch of the NHS’s nationwide Love Your Cervix campaign which asks you to show your cervix some care and, when you’re invited for cervical screening, book an appointment at your GP surgery.
What You Need to Know
- Even after HPV vaccination, attend every routine cervical screening.
- Screenings take under 5 minutes - no need to delay when you receive your NHS invitation.
- If you’ve received your NHS screening invitation or missed your last one, book now.
According to NHS England, screening saves thousands of lives each year, yet one in three people don’t attend their appointments. The campaign seeks to tackle this and act as a reminder that smear tests typically take less than five minutes.
Local resident and social media influencer Zoe Sugg, also known as Zoella, played a key role in breaking down the stigma around cervical screening. In 2019, she bravely filmed and shared her own smear test experience on YouTube, encouraging her millions of followers to attend their appointments.
Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Cervical screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent cancer. It’s quick, safe, and could save your life. I had an abnormal smear in my 20’s, and then had a procedure that meant it did not develop into cervical cancer.
“I am very thankful that I went for the routine smear screening, or the outlook could have been very different for me. I want everyone in Brighton & Hove to feel informed, supported, and empowered to book their appointments without delay.”
How to book
Invitations are sent in the post when it’s time to book a cervical screening appointment, while women can also contact their GP surgery to book. Some sexual health clinics also offer the service.
Anyone who has previously received an invitation and been unable to attend shouldn’t wait for another invitation – you can still book a cervical screening appointment even if invited weeks, months or years ago.
Visit the NHS website or contact your GP surgery or your local sexual health clinic to make an appointment.
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Supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week
This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. We’re supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to raise awareness of cervical cancer, encourage uptake of the HPV vaccination and cervical screening.