A Mossley GP is urging women to continue to book cervical screening tests, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which each year highlights the symptoms of cervical cancer and promotes the national screening programme which can detect early signs of the disease.
All people with a cervix aged 25-64 are invited for regular cervical screening at their GP practice by letter under the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.
Also known as a smear test, screening helps detect abnormalities within the cervix that could, if left untreated, develop into cervical cancer.
Dr Yuliana Picthall, Lead GP at The Pike Practice on Market Street, is urging women to attend for a cervical smear appointment.
Dr Picthall (pictured) said: “The cervical smear test is designed to detect early changes in the cells of the cervix and the presence of the human papilloma virus (HPV) which can lead to cervical cancer.
“It is vital that these changes are detected early so that they can be treated and regularly monitored.
“The outcome of the disease always depends on how early it is diagnosed which also applies to the cancer of the cervix. That is why is really important that women attend their smear test when they are invited, despite the Coronavirus pandemic.
“GP surgeries have put in place measures which will keep people safe from the virus during your screening.
“It is also important to contact your GP surgery if you have any concerns or feel you may be experiencing symptoms of cervical cancer, which include bleeding between periods, pain after sex, changes to vaginal discharge or unexplained lower back or pelvic pain.”
Surviving cervical cancer can depend on early diagnosis and intervention.
For more information on cervical cancer or screening, visit the following websites:
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