WESTBURY Group Practice has launched a new campaign to increase the number of smear tests locally.
In the past five years, 1,700 patients registered with Westbury Group Practice have declined an invitation to have a cervical smear carried out.
“The national target is 80%, Westbury is sadly only hitting 75%,” says the practice “We are running a campaign to improve uptake to encourage people to attend and have this simple procedure, which can save lives.
“Every year in the UK, over 3,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under.
“Cervical screening is a free health test that helps prevent cervical cancer. It checks for cell changes (abnormalities) on your cervix caused by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). It is not a test for cancer.
“The test is performed by one of the friendly women’s health team or female doctor.”
You are automatically invited for cervical screening if you are: Between the ages of 25 to 64. “You are invited: • Every three years between age 25 and 49 • Every five years between age 50 and 64.
You may get your first invite up to six months before you turn 25. You can book an appointment as soon as you get the invite.
• It is very rare to develop cervical cancer: Under the age of 25, Over the age of 64, if you have had regular cervical screening.
• It is usually recommended that you do not have cervical screening while you are or could be pregnant. Pregnancy can make the result of your test harder to interpret
• A total hysterectomy is an operation that removes the womb and cervix. If you have had a total hysterectomy, you will not be invited for cervical screening as it isn’t necessary – there is no cervix to take a sample of cells from. Sometimes women have had a hysterectomy and the cervix has been left, you will still need to have a smear.
After your appointment:
• Most people can continue their day as usual after the appointment. You may have some very light bleeding (spotting) for a day after the test, so it can help to wear a sanitary pad or panty-liner.
• Cervical screening should not feel painful, but it may feel a bit uncomfortable. If you have any pain or other problems, it is important to let your doctor or nurse know.
• You should get your smear test results within 2 weeks after your test, but it can take longer.
• You should always get your results letter in the post. If you don’t get a letter within the timeframe your GP surgery gave you, ring them.
For more detailed information or if you would like to talk about having a smear, please contact the White Horse Health Centre and make an appointment to talk to one of the women’s health team.
For further detailed information Jostrust.org.uk or the Helpline on 0808 802 8000.
