YOUNGER women in Cornwall are being urged not to let embarrassment get in the way of going for cervical cancer screening.

The disease is the commonest form of cancer for women under 35 in the UK. Every day, nine women are diagnosed with the disease, and three women lose their lives.

Yet, says the NHS, thanks to the HPV vaccine and the cervical screening programme, the cancer is largely preventable – and if the signs are spotted early enough, treatment is straightforward.

However, surveys by cancer charities indicate that younger women are embarrassed about being tested, said NHS spokesperson Lynne Benton. One in three women under the age of 29 ignores the letter inviting them to make an appointment.

Mrs Benton, who is the South West’s screening and immunisation co-ordinator, said: ‘The number of women dying from cervical cancer has halved over the past 27 years as a result of the NHS screening programme as well as improvements in treatment.

‘Despite this success, over 3,000 women are diagnosed each year. The majority of those diagnosed have delayed coming forward for screening, which has impacted on their ability to have early changes treated.

‘We have noticed a fall in attendance of younger women over the past few years, and this decline in attendance is now linked to a rise in the incidence of cervical cancer in women under 35.’

A cervical screening test can be done at a GP surgery.

‘The test is relatively simple, takes about five minutes and is performed by the practice nurse at your GP surgery,’ Mrs Benton said.

‘It is really important for all women to understand the importance of attending cervical screening,

‘I urge women who may have received a letter and decided not to attend to reconsider and make an appointment. It really is very quick and it could ultimately save your life.’