WOMEN of all ages are being encouraged to attend cervical screening as routine appointments now become more available.

Research has showed that many women have been left feeling worried after their smear test has been delayed or cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

But a women’s charity says that one in eight women it surveyed say they now feel less likely to attend a clinic or GP surgery than before the pandemic, with some saying they think it’s best to put off going for the time being.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust says that low attendance for cervical screening was already a concern before the Covid-19 pandemic, and it wants to raise awareness.

’It is estimated over two million people[1] across the UK have been unable to access screening or cancer treatment over the past few months as the NHS has responded to COVID-19,’ said a spokesperson.

’Some services in England have had to reschedule appointments. Our helpline has seen a growing level of anxiety and confusion around cervical screening since the pandemic began.’

Fears around safety (11%), not wanting to put ‘additional strain’ on the NHS (15%), shielding or protecting others (13%), and uncertainty over changes to cervical screening are just some of the new concerns and uncertainties. A quarter of women are worried about their risk of coronavirus if they go. 

Robert Music, Chief Executive at Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said: ’Cervical screening isn’t always the easiest test and we must try to prevent coronavirus making it even harder. We want every woman to have the information and support they need to feel able to make decisions about their health. This includes understanding the measures GP practices and sexual health services are putting in to keep patients safe. For those working in primary care, being mindful of new concerns as a result of coronavirus is important to ensure the right support can be given to women due cervical screening.’

Five million women are invited for cervical screening each year in the UK with only around 3.5 million taking up their invite.

Robert continues: “While it can be difficult if you are unable to get an appointment at the moment, providers of cervical screening services and the government are weighing up the risk of a delayed appointment against the risk of coronavirus. The aim is to keep you, and health workers, as protected as possible.’

The charity has put together some FAQs to address common questions such as “What do you do if your test has been cancelled? Is a delay dangerous? Is it safe to attend? Is the test the same still? What happens when you go to a GP now?” It aims to reassure women that, while visiting the GP might look a bit different, cervical screening itself remains the same.

It is also calling for innovation such as self-sampling to be further explored to help restore cervical screening across the UK and reduce the pressure on primary care.

 

Joanne had a cervical screening appointment during lockdown: “Both myself and the nurse doing my smear test were wearing protective items and there was only myself in the building. I was nervous because of COVID but also didn’t want to risk my health by not attending my regular smear testing. I did ask the GP if it was better to wait till lockdown eases and they replied that I would be fine and they are taking every precaution to keep staff and patients safe. I was in and out within 10 minutes and got my peace of mind as my results were all ok.” 

 For more information visit Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust at https://www.jostrust.org.uk/information/coronavirus/faqs