The NHS has issued a plea to patients in Hull to attend their smear test appointments. Health bosses have said cervical cancer screening rates in our area are higher than the national average following the #smearnotfear team from NHS Humber Health Partnership.
Around 72 per cent of women, trans men and non-binary people in the 25 to 49 age group and almost 77 per cent aged between 50 to 64 attended their smear test appointments last year, compared to 67.5 per cent and 74.9 per cent nationally.
And to mark Cervical Screening Awareness Week (June 19 to 24), the Colposcopy Team at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital says everyone who receives an appointment should attend every three or five years, depending on their age.
Nurse Colposcopist Sarah Bolton, who leads the #smearnotfear team, said: “Smear tests are a highly-effective way of checking for HPV, which causes abnormal cells to develop in the cervix.
“If you don’t come for your smear test, it can be really dangerous because if HPV is left untreated, these cells can turn into cervical cancer over time.
“You might be a woman who feels embarrassed or worried if you’ve never been for a smear test or you have missed some appointments. You might be a trans man or non-binary and have different worries or concerns.
“But be assured that those of us carrying out smear tests are not here to judge anyone. We’re here to help and you can chat to your health professional if you’re concerned before your appointment.”
The #smearnotfear campaign was launched by the team in 2017 and they hold events, often in their own time, to raise awareness including lighting up the hospital in teal, the colour associated with cervical cancer awareness, and attending major events including Hull Pride, Hull Freedom Festival, rugby matches and sporting events.
Smear tests are normally carried out in a female GP or nurse practitioner in your local surgery. You can request a chaperone to stay with you while you have the test, which takes less than five minutes.
Sarah added: “Ten minutes is all it takes from beginning to end but it could mean the difference between life and death. Staff are here to help you so there’s nothing to fear.”