13 October 2021

The recent publication of the annual Scottish Cervical Screening Programme Statistics shows that almost three quarters (72.9%) of eligible Borderers have already taken part in our cervical screening programme. This good uptake rate is above the national average (66.3%) and reflects the success of our screening programme.

Attending your cervical screening appointment is the best way to prevent cervical cancer by detecting any abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix (neck of your womb) at an early stage, when there are no symptoms, so we can stop cancer ever developing.

The aim of the cervical screening programme is to reduce the number of cases of cervical cancer which develop and the number of people who die from the condition. Since the screening programme was introduced in Scotland rates have fallen from 18.6 diagnoses of cervical cancer per 100,000 persons in 1981, to the lowest recorded instance of 10.1 in 2017.

Julieann Brennan, Strategic Lead & Board Screening Coordinator for National Public Health Screening Programmes, said: “Often we can stop cervical cancer before it starts through screening. So we all need to talk about cervical screening to increase understanding and encourage those who are eligible to come forward. We recognise that some people may be embarrassed by the screening process. However attending your screening appointment when invited is vital for the early detection of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells. The earlier these cells are detected and monitored, and if appropriate treated, then the better our patients’ outcomes are likely to be.”

Dr Tim Patterson, Joint Director of Public Health, added: “Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 25-35 in Scotland, with around six women being diagnosed with cervical cancer every week. Smear tests save thousands of lives every year in the UK. This quick, simple and free test can pick up changes to your cells even if you look and feel healthy and have no symptoms. So I would urge everyone who is eligible to take advantage of our highly successful screening programme.”

In Scotland if you have a cervix and are registered with a GP you will be routinely invited for cervical screening:

  • Aged 25-64: every 5 years until your 65th birthday.
  • Some people are offered screening up to the age of 70 years if results from previous screenings show there are cervical cell changes that need to be monitored.

If you have missed a smear test please call your G.P. surgery to arrange an appointment and remember to keep them updated with any address changes to ensure you continue to receive all your national screening invitations.

Don’t get scared get screened! More information, including a step-by-step guide of what to expect during your smear test appointment can be found online at: www.nhsinform.scot  & www.jostrust.org.uk