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Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is to encourage all eligible women and people with a cervix to come forward for their cervical screen when invited. Cervical screening can prevent up to 75% of instances of cervical cancer and is estimated to save 5,000 lives per year.

If you have received an invitation for a cervical screen, please don’t wait. Call your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as possible. Some local sexual health services also offer cervical screening.

Your GP practice is still offering cervical screening appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have put in place safety measures to keep you safe during your cervical screening appointment.

Cervical screening primarily tests the presence of high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause cell changes. HPV is a common virus that most people will get it at some point. While, for people with high-risk HPV the risk of getting cervical cancer is low, finding high-risk HPV early means you can be monitored for abnormal cell changes. Any abnormal cell changes can be treated, so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.

"I encourage all those who are eligible for cervical screening to book an appointment as soon as possible - attending your routine cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable type of cancer, when it is detected early and managed effectively."

Dr Elizabeth Mullen, Acting Clinical Oncology Consultant, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre

Jo's Trust is the UK's leading cervical cancer charity. Their website contains further information about cervical cancer, screening and available support: jostrust.org.uk

Further information from the NHS