Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing supports Cervical Cancer Prevention Week
 

PICTURE: Dame Eleanor Laing with Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust chief executive Robert Music CLICK HERE

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Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.

Dame Eleanor and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust are raising awareness about how women can reduce their risk of cervical cancer. 

More than 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, yet it is one of the only cancers that can be prevented and one day become a disease of the past.

Cervical screening (smear tests) are the best protection against the disease, followed by the HPV vaccine offered in schools. Yet cervical screening uptake is at a 21-year low in England. 

It is at just 71.4 per cent meaning that more than one in four women are not booking a potentially life-saving test.

This week Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has published new research which has found young women who delay or do not go for cervical screening feel scared (71 per cent), vulnerable (75 per cent) and embarrassed (81 per cent) at the thought of going. 

A worrying two thirds (67 per cent) say they would not feel in control at the prospect of a test.

Dame Eleanor said: “I am delighted to be working with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. 

"Cervical screening prevents up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers developing, so it is worrying to hear that so many women are not attending this test when invited, particularly due to embarrassment."

The Trust's chief executive, Robert Music, said: “We are delighted to have Dame Eleanor’s support to help raise awareness about the importance of cervical screening.  

"Smear tests provide the best protection against cervical cancer yet we know they aren’t always easy. 

"We want women to feel comfortable talking to their nurse and asking questions. It’s not making a fuss and there are many ways to make the test easier. Please don’t let your fears stop you booking a test.”