Following recent press around changes to cervical screening across the UK, Delyn MS Hannah Blythyn has spoken about her personal experiences of cervical screening to encourage others to take up screening appointments.

In response to concerns about the routine changes in cervical screening from three to five years, Ms Blythyn is highlighting the importance of attending screening appointments and having a smear test during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.

Speaking about her own experiences the Delyn MS said:

“I have personally benefited from cervical screening and subsequent treatment, so I do understand that concerns that constituents may have over these changes.

 

The focus this week, and every week, needs to be encouraging women and people with a cervix to take up screening appointments when they are offered to them.”

Cervical screening now tests for HPV infections before any other abnormalities, due to HPV causing almost all cervical cancers. Due to the accuracy of the HPV testing it has been determined that routine screening can be extended from three to five years.

An individual’s screening results which will then recommend another screening in one, three or five years, or referral for an immediate colposcopy. Though the routine screening has been extended there remains an individualised approach to treating everyone based on their own circumstances, risks and results.

Each year Jo’s Trust run an awareness campaign in January to highlight the importance of screening and preventing cervical cancer wherever possible.

You can find out more information at www.jostrust.org.uk or at http://www.cervicalscreeningwales.wales.nhs.uk/home