Bupa has revealed that almost a third of women in the UK (29%) say they have never been for any type of health screening, including cervical screening, which is vital in detecting abnormal, pre-cancerous cells which may lead to cervical cancer.
Around 2,900 women in the UK are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year. However, it is one of the most preventable cancers, with deaths from the disease having fallen over the last 25 years, precisely because of large numbers of women undergoing cervical screenings. Many women are put off going for a screening owing to a lack of information on what it involves and anxiety about dealing with abnormal results. To help, Bupa is offering advice on the subject.
Dr Katrina Herren, Medical Director, Bupa Health and Wellbeing, said: "Cervical screening detects pre-cancerous cells which can develop into cervical cancer. Early detection of pre-cancerous cells is vitally important in preventing cervical cancer so if your test does detect these abnormal cells, don't panic. It means that the cells which could develop into the cancer have been detected and can be monitored closely or treated to prevent them developing into cancer."
A cervical screening is a simple procedure carried out by a doctor or qualified nurse which can detect pre-cancerous cells inside the cervix which can develop into cervical cancer. Early detection of changes to cervical cells is vitally important in minimising the impact of the disease, which is why all women over the age of 25 are encouraged to have cervical screens.
A cervical smear test is just one of the tests included in Bupa's female health assessment. For women who are primarily concerned with their breast and gynaecological health, Bupa Female Health offers a thorough check and the opportunity to discuss any health concerns you have. This 60 minute assessment focuses on the early detection of breast and gynaecological conditions as well as other health risks such as diabetes.
For more information about cervical cancer and screenings please visit: www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/c/cervical-cancer