A woman who survived cervical cancer has spoken out about the importance of smear tests, saying they saved her life. Stacey Roberts, 37, from Peterborough, was diagnosed with the illness at age 34 and has been in remission for three years.
According to NHS England, around one in three women don’t attend their smear test appointment, despite 75% of cervical cancers being preventable by the test. The screening tests for human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer, and is offered to all women and people with a cervix between 25 and 64.
Roberts said she felt numb when diagnosed but credits her smear test for saving her life. She believes screenings are uncomfortable but the benefits outweigh the pain. The NHS has renewed its call for women to attend their smear test appointment during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which takes place from January 20-26.
In 2022-23, 74% of women aged 50 and over attended their screening, but only 58% of women between 25-29 did so. The NHS has launched outreach clinics and education sessions to encourage women who haven’t had a cervical screening test or have not had one for a long time.
Cancer Research UK reports that cervical screenings save at least 2,000 lives each year in the UK. Roberts hopes her story will inspire others to get tested and encourages those with specific requirements to speak up about their needs.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwye7dxx5d2o