This week is all about raising as much awareness as possible for Cervical Screening. Cervical Screening Awareness week is an annual campaign designed to promote and highlight the importance of Screenings for women’s health.
So why Screenings are so important you might ask?
Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common female cancer
More than half of women with cervical cancer will die within 5 years
Early Cervical cancer has no signs or symptoms
8 out of 10 women will have (HPV) in their lifetime
The Human Papillomavirus Virus is a virus that can be easily transmitted, and is the cause of cervical cancer
Anyone with cervix between the ages of 24-65 are invited and recommended to attend regular/recommended cervical screenings
Did you know:
You can ask for a female doctor
Feeling anxious about attending screenings are completely normal
Some common triggers for anxiety are personal body image confidence, having an opposite sex doctor carry out the screening, fear of the unknown If it is your first time, past traumatic experience – And all the these are completely normal and common
You can ask to speak to your doctor to seek advice if you are feeling anxious prior to your screening
It is essential you feel confident and happy to attend such an important essential and free service
Symptoms to be aware of that are not always spoken about and not to be ignored are pelvic pain after or during intercourse, watery or bloody vaginal discharge. Vaginal bleeding after intercourse and or between periods or after menopause.
Take advantage of the heightened awareness this week by speaking to your friends, your family, your colleagues and getting in touch with your local surgery / clinic to discuss further and book your screening!
Author: Roxanne Malcolm