Women in the UK are missing out on life-saving cervical screenings due to a lack of awareness around the availability of screening adjustments which can help women going through distressing or painful tests. Research by cancer charity The Eve Appeal shows that many women are unaware that they can ask for longer appointments, smaller speculums and more comfortable positions when being screened. The NHS offers cervical screening via the human papillomavirus (HPV) test to those aged between 25 and 64, with the test perceived to save over 5,000 lives in the UK annually. Yet the charity found that access to the test often remains low, particularly for those aged between 25 and 29 years old. NHS research showed that over five million eligible women aged between 25 and 64 are not undertaking routine screening.
The Eve Appeal has said that the lack of knowledge around screening could come at a serious cost, and women who experience discomfort during the testing process ought to know that there are simple adjustments that can be made to make the test easier. The charity survey shows that most women did not know that they could make the test easier by asking for help such as guidance in inserting the speculum, moving to more comfortable positions or even bringing a friend for support. Speaking on behalf of the charity, Chief Executive Athena Lamnisos said that barriers surrounding cervical screenings could be easily overcome, and the charity will be using Cervical Cancer Prevention Week to boost awareness around what adaptations can be made for screening appointments.
Particular groups, including disabled people, non-English speakers and those with health conditions were identified by The Eve Appeal as feeling particularly disconnected from screening information, most of whom were unaware of screening adjustments. Those who have undergone the HPV vaccine are still encouraged to attend screening to ensure their healthcare is as preventative as possible, as there remains a small possibility of cervical cancer after vaccination.
Eve Hewitt, a person with Crohn’s disease and vaginal scarring from surgery who requires adjustments to her screening, spoke to the BBC about the difficulties in raising awareness around screening adjustments. Ms. Hewitt highlighted that discussing potential adaptations with her nurse beforehand “really helps me”, and stated that her screening appointments have been more positive since adjustments were made to make the process more comfortable. “If I didn’t know I could ask for adaptations, there is a quite a high chance I would have been put off,” she said.
NHS England aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 via HPV vaccination and regular screening sessions. The vaccination strategy has shown results, with 90% of cervical cancer cases disappear throughout England thanks to vaccination. Nonetheless, cervical screening is still extremely important for the prevention of cancer with vaccinations alone
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