Awareness Deficit in Cervical Screening Linked to Unnecessary Fatalities: Report
Cervical screening significantly reduces cancer risk, yet widespread knowledge gaps hinder participation.
A knowledge gap concerning cervical screenings is contributing to preventable fatalities, according to recent findings by The Eve Appeal, a UK cancer charity.
Despite cervical screenings saving approximately 5,000 lives annually in the UK, a considerable number of women do not participate in these potentially life-saving tests.
The charity emphasizes the importance of increased awareness regarding the option to request modifications to the screening process.
These screenings, which are crucial for detecting human papillomavirus (HPV)—the virus responsible for cervical cancer—are routinely offered by the National Health Service (NHS) to women and individuals with a cervix aged 25 to 64.
A survey conducted by YouGov, commissioned by The Eve Appeal ahead of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, indicates that many women remain unaware that they can ask for adjustments such as extended appointment times, smaller speculum sizes, and alternative positioning to increase comfort and reduce anxiety during the procedure.
Athena Lamnisos, CEO of The Eve Appeal, highlighted concerns over the low participation rates, particularly among women aged 25 to 29, where uptake is only 58% according to the latest NHS England data.
Lamnisos pointed out that overcoming barriers to screening could notably enhance participation rates.
Eve Hewitt, a woman living with Crohn's disease and vaginal scarring, shared her experience of adapting her screenings to mitigate potential discomfort.
She advocates for herself by requesting specific adjustments, such as using a smaller speculum and scheduling double appointments to alleviate anxiety.
The NHS England has set a target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 through ongoing cervical screenings and the widespread implementation of the HPV vaccine, which is estimated to be reducing cases by 90% in England.
However, NHS England advises that vaccination does not eliminate the need for regular screenings, as there remains a minor risk of developing cervical cancer.
In summary, increasing awareness and addressing informal barriers could significantly improve screening uptake and contribute to preventing unnecessary fatalities associated with cervical cancer.
Despite cervical screenings saving approximately 5,000 lives annually in the UK, a considerable number of women do not participate in these potentially life-saving tests.
The charity emphasizes the importance of increased awareness regarding the option to request modifications to the screening process.
These screenings, which are crucial for detecting human papillomavirus (HPV)—the virus responsible for cervical cancer—are routinely offered by the National Health Service (NHS) to women and individuals with a cervix aged 25 to 64.
A survey conducted by YouGov, commissioned by The Eve Appeal ahead of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, indicates that many women remain unaware that they can ask for adjustments such as extended appointment times, smaller speculum sizes, and alternative positioning to increase comfort and reduce anxiety during the procedure.
Athena Lamnisos, CEO of The Eve Appeal, highlighted concerns over the low participation rates, particularly among women aged 25 to 29, where uptake is only 58% according to the latest NHS England data.
Lamnisos pointed out that overcoming barriers to screening could notably enhance participation rates.
Eve Hewitt, a woman living with Crohn's disease and vaginal scarring, shared her experience of adapting her screenings to mitigate potential discomfort.
She advocates for herself by requesting specific adjustments, such as using a smaller speculum and scheduling double appointments to alleviate anxiety.
The NHS England has set a target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 through ongoing cervical screenings and the widespread implementation of the HPV vaccine, which is estimated to be reducing cases by 90% in England.
However, NHS England advises that vaccination does not eliminate the need for regular screenings, as there remains a minor risk of developing cervical cancer.
In summary, increasing awareness and addressing informal barriers could significantly improve screening uptake and contribute to preventing unnecessary fatalities associated with cervical cancer.
