Health professionals in Sefton are supporting this Cervical Screening Awareness Week (14-20 June) by encouraging people to get screened when invited.

NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are encouraging those aged 25 to 64 to have cervical screening to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer. The test detects human papillomavirus (HPV) and signs of early abnormal cells.

Dr Graeme Allan, Macmillan GP and primary care cancer lead at NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “Cervical cancer affects around 3,000 people in the UK every year.

“Being screened significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer so it’s really important to make an appointment when invited.

“Spotting and treating signs of cervical cancer at an early stage is key to successful treatment, so being screened is not only very important, it saves lives.”

Dr Debbie Harvey, Macmillan GP at NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “Those aged 25 to 49 are offered screening every three years and 50 to 64-year-olds are every five years. When it's time for your next screening, you should be sent a letter inviting you to make an appointment.

“It's quick, simple and getting screened regularly helps find HPV early and abnormal cell changes before they become cancerous.

“Contact your GP if you think you may be overdue a test. Screening appointments can now be made with practice nurses and if it’s more convenient you can also book to have your screening with the 7 day GP service that operates evenings and weekends.

“These tests are one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from the risk of cervical cancer.”

Five million are invited for cervical cancer screening each year in the UK but many do not attend.

The best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer is by attending cervical screening when invited.

People who are registered at a local GP practice will receive a screening invitation letter in the post with information about how to book their appointment.

For more information on cervical cancer and what the screening test involves, please visit: www.nhs.uk/cervicalcancer.

To find out more about what to expect at your cervical screening appointment, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLysTe5vLd8