HEALTH bosses across Worcestershire are urging women to book cervical screening tests as statistics show a third do not take up the offer.
Women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 are eligible for tests every three years and the examinations can help stop cancer before its starts.
Appointments can be booked at GP practices if the last one was missed.
Almost a third (around 4.6million in England) have not taken up their latest test.
Those registered as male will need to request an appointment from their GP or a local sexual health clinic.
Two women die every day from cervical cancer in England. Yet it is one of the most preventable cancers and getting screened can help stop it before it starts.
It has been estimated that, in England, cervical screening prevents 70 per cent of cervical cancer deaths and that if everyone attended screening regularly, 83 per cent of cervical cancer deaths could be prevented.
Dr Will Taylor, Medical Director for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “For most, cervical screening tests are not painful.
“But if you are worried that you may find the test uncomfortable, remember you are in control and can ask your clinician to stop at any time.
“Cervical screening takes only a few minutes but can save your life. Don’t delay in contacting your GP or local sexual health clinic to book your screening if you are eligible.”
Visit nhs.uk/cervicalscreening for more on cervical screening.
