Sexual Health

WOMEN in Hartlepool are being urged to undergo regular cervical screening to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

Public health chiefs in the town have spoken out to mark Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (January 22-28) and as part of an on-going sexual health awareness campaign.

Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer in women aged 35 and under, but while 75% of cervical cancers can be prevented by screening one in four women do not undergo the potentially life-saving test.

Deborah Clark, Health Improvement Practitioner (Children, Young People/Sexual Health) at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Screening, more commonly known as a smear test, is one of the best ways a woman can reduce her risk of cervical cancer but with test attendance falling amongst both younger and older women we feel that it has never been more vital to emphasise the importance of screening.”

To help raise awareness of the issue public health staff at the Council have embraced the #smearforsmear social media campaign of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust – the only UK charity dedicated to women affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities – where people share images of themselves with lipstick smeared across their faces.

Cervical screening is provided free by the NHS to women aged 25-64, with women aged 25-49 invited every three years and those aged 50-64 invited every five years. To be invited for a test a woman needs to be registered with a GP who has an up-to-date record of her address. Any woman not registered with a GP can also undergo screening via the Teesside Sexual Health Service – a service commissioned by Hartlepool Council – which is based at the One Life Centre on Park Road, Hartlepool.

Anyone with symptoms that they are worried about should make an appointment to see their GP as soon as possible. Women not registered with a GP can attend the walk-in centre at One Life.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by infections with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common infection that four out of five sexually active adults will come into contact with during their lives.

Most women will clear high-risk HPV infection themselves without it causing any harm but in a small number of cases it can persist or remain dormant, sometimes for many years. In such circumstances it can cause cervical abnormalities.

Deborah Clark added: “There are usually no symptoms associated with high-risk HPV infection so it is vital that women keep their screening appointments so that any abnormalities present in the cells of the cervix can be detected and treated.”

Appointments with the Teesside Sexual Health Service can be booked online 24/7 or by calling 0300 3301122. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day Monday to Friday. For more information go to www.thesexualhealthhub.co.uk For more information about cervical screening and cervical cancer prevention go to www.jostrust.org.uk