THIS week is Cervical Cancer Awareness Week (January 24 to January 30) and Sandwell Primary Care Trust wants to raise awareness on how important it is for women in the age group 25 to 64 years to attend cervical screening, often known as ‘smear test.’

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme invites women aged 25 – 49 for a screening test every three years and women aged 50-64 every five years.

Dr Nidhi Singh, Cervical Cancer Screening Coordinator at Sandwell Primary Care Trust said: “Our data shows in Sandwell there has been a steady decline in women who respond to screening invitation, in particular women in the age group 25 – 34 years old.

“This is particularly concerning as the peak incidence of cervical cancer is in the age group 30-44.

“Research has shown that the cervical screening programme is effective in reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer and saves around 4,500 lives per year in the UK.

“It is important that women are aware of this fact and just how important cervical cancer screening is. After all, it could save your life.”

For further details on the NHS Cervical Screening Programme visit www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical