FSRH press statement: New cervical screening campaign by PHE can raise awareness of importance of life-saving test

Today Public Health England (PHE) launched 'Cervical Screening Saves Lives', a national cervical screening campaign to increase the number of women attending cervical screening across England. FSRH welcomes the campaign and hopes it will raise awareness about the benefits of attending cervical screening.

The campaign will encourage women to respond to their cervical screening invitation letter, and if they missed their last screening, to book an appointment at their GP practice.

Cervical screening rates are at a 20-year low, with one in four eligible women in the UK not attending their test.

According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 3,200 new cervical cancer cases in the UK every year. Incidence rates for cervical cancer in the UK are highest in young females. Around 99.8% of cases are preventable.

Dr Asha Kasliwal, President of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), said:

“FSRH welcomes the national campaign on cervical screening launched today by Public Health England.

 "It is very important that women attend cervical screening when invited. Although cervical screening is not a test for cervical cancer, it is vital for detecting early changes to the cervix and prevent development into cancer.

“Common barriers that drive women away from cervical screening are concerns that it would be painful and embarrassing as well as worry about the results.

“To improve coverage, we need to make it easier for women to access these services through an opportunistic whole-team approach to health screening. GPs and practice nurses can play a central role in providing information to women.

“FSRH looks forward to collaborating with PHE and working with our GP and practice nurse members as well as our members working in sexual and reproductive healthcare clinics to ensure they are equipped to understand women’s concerns and support them to take this life-saving test.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Further information on 'Cervical Screening Saves Lives' can be found here
• The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) is the largest UK professional membership organisation working at the heart of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), supporting healthcare professionals to deliver high quality care. It works with its 15,000 members, to shape sexual reproductive health for all. It produces evidence-based clinical guidance, standards, training, qualifications and research into SRH. It also delivers conferences and publishes the journal BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health in partnership with the BMJ. For more information please visit: www.fsrh.org

For further information please contact:
Camila Azevedo
FSRH External Affairs & Standards Manager
Email: externalaffairsmanager@fsrh.org
Telephone: 02037945309