NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight is supporting a new NHS campaign launching today, Thursday 19 June, to increase uptake in cervical screening among women who are aged 25 to 29.
The Love Your Cervix campaign will target those who are either due or overdue their first and second screening appointments. It is designed to encourage them to ‘love your cervix, show it you care’ by booking an appointment with their GP practice when invited by the NHS for their cervical screening, and get checked out to help stop cancer developing.
In addition, Love Your Cervix is designed to increase awareness about the importance of cervical screening and promote healthy behaviours that can improve overall health outcomes.
Dr Charlotte Hutchings, Local GP and Clinical Director at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “We want young women to take charge of their health, take-up their invitation to attend cervical screening and develop the healthy habit of regular cervical screening for the rest of their lives.
“It is a not a test for cancer, it is a test to help prevent cancer and usually only takes a few minutes. Our health practitioners can put you at ease and help support you through this safe, simple and effective process.
“If you are scared or have concerns, please speak to your practice, as they will do all they can to make you feel safe and reassured.”
NHS screening helps prevent cervical cancer by using a highly effective test to check for high-risk HPV, which may cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix. These abnormal cells can, over time, turn into cancer if left untreated. The test takes less than 5 minutes and the whole appointment takes 10 minutes.
It is important all eligible women attend screening. Whatever your age or where you live, if you’ve been invited to attend your cervical screening please book an appointment with your GP practice.
Love Your Cervix. Find out more information on cervical screening at www.nhs.uk/cervical-screening