One in three women don't attend cervical screening

A new survey of more than 2,000 women in the UK has revealed that one in three women don't attend cervical screening because of 'embarrassment’.

All women aged 25 to 49 are invited for a screening test every three years, while those aged 50 to 64 are invited every five years. However, despite more than 3,200 women being diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust has revealed that one in four women skip the cervical screening, with the proportion increasing to one in three among those aged 25 to 29 and to one in two in some more deprived regions of the UK.

The cancer charity has reported that the main reason is embarrassment about body shape, although a lack of understanding about the importance of screening is also a barrier to screening attendance.

The findings highlight the need for better access to screening services for some women, but also for improved awareness and education about the vital role of screening in cancer prevention.

Robert Music, chief executive of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, said: "Smear tests prevent 75 per cent of cervical cancers, so it is a big worry that so many young women, those who are most at risk of the disease, are unaware of the importance of attending. It is of further concern that body worries are contributing to non-attendance. Please don't let unhappiness or uncertainty about your body stop you from attending what could be a life-saving test. Nurses are professionals who carry out millions of tests every year – they can play a big part in ensuring women are comfortable.”