Smear test cancellations adding 'huge pressure' to NHS

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust has warned that health services will come under ‘huge pressure’ to work through backlogs of missed smear tests during the coronavirus lockdown.

Approximately 600,000 tests would have been carried out in the UK in April and May had services been operating normally, but many were delayed or cancelled. This is in addition to a backlog of 1.5 million appointments missed annually.

There was already a low attendance rate before the pandemic - partly because of misconceptions. However, a new survey has revealed that delayed and cancelled cervical screening appointments have left 39 per cent of women feeling worries.

And, while 40 per cent would feel relieved to be able to go, as screening programmes across the UK are looking to recover, 12 per cent say they feel less likely to attend than before the coronavirus pandemic. Similar numbers think it is best to put off going for cervical screening at the moment.

The charity’s Helpline has seen a growing level of anxiety and confusion around cervical screening since the pandemic began. Fears around safety (11 per cent), not wanting to put ‘additional strain’ on the NHS (15 per cent), shielding or protecting others (13 per cent), and uncertainty over changes to cervical screening are just some of the new concerns and uncertainties. A quarter of women are worried about their risk of coronavirus if they go.

Robert Music, chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “Cervical screening isn’t always the easiest test and we must try to prevent coronavirus making it even harder. We want every woman to have the information and support they need to feel able to make decisions about their health. This includes understanding the measures GP practices and sexual health services are putting in to keep patients safe. For those working in primary care, being mindful of new concerns as a result of coronavirus is important to ensure the right support can be given to women due cervical screening.

“While it can be difficult if you are unable to get an appointment at the moment, providers of cervical screening services and the government are weighing up the risk of a delayed appointment against the risk of coronavirus. The aim is to keep you, and health workers, as protected as possible.”

Five million women are invited for cervical screening each year in the UK with around 3.5 million taking up their invite. The cancer charity estimates that approximately 571,000 tests would normally have been carried out in England in April and May, 68,000 in Scotland and 28,500 in Wales. It does not have figures for Northern Ireland.