NEARLY 30 per cent of eligible people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have not attended their vital screening appointments within a three-month period.

Women and people with a cervix are being urged to come forward and attend their screening appointments.

The advice follows data that has shown that in three-month period approximately 29 per cent of those eligible didn’t attend their cervical screening appointments.

People with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to attend every three years, whilst those aged 50 to 64 should be invited every five years.

Latest data released by NHS Digital and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust shows that only 71 per cent of women and people with a cervix in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight (including Portsmouth and Southampton) who were eligible for screening from October to December 2021 attended their test. This was slightly down from July to September 2021 where 72 per cent of those eligible had their test.

Dr Nicola Decker, clinical leader at Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group and GP in North Hampshire said: “We all know how difficult it can be to prioritise our own health and wellbeing sometimes, but it’s important to take the time to look after ourselves too. While many of those eligible are having their cervical screening test, we still need to encourage more eligible people to come forward and get checked.

“If you are scared of have concerns, please speak to your practice, as they will do all they can to make you feel safe and reassured.”

READ MORE: Covid rules brought back as face masks become mandatory at HFFT hospitals

Cervical screening works by checking a sample of cells from your cervix for certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause abnormal changes that could evolve into cancer. Following their test, patients are usually sent their results directly, around two weeks after their appointment. Support and information is available for people available online or through their GP practice.

Naomi Thelen, practice nurse at New Horizons Medical Partnership in Totton, carries out cervical screening tests and is keen to emphasise their importance.

She said: “Everyone has a different experience of cervical screening, and we always want to make sure we can make it better for you. If it’s your first cervical screening or you feel embarrassed or worried or even if you have had a bad experience in the past, make sure you tell the person doing the smear. We are here to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.”

Message from the editor 

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.