29 per cent of women have skipped health screening tests

Despite cervical cancers being one of the most preventable cancers it is estimated that deaths from the disease have risen over the past 25 years.

The study, carried out by Bupa, found that 29 per cent of women have skipped health screening tests, which are vital in detecting abnormal and pre-cancerous cells.

It is thought that many women are put off the screening because of lack of information on what it involves. Women are also worried that they will receive abnormal results.

However, there is nothing to be worried about. A cervical screening is a simple procedure carried out by a doctor or qualified nurse which can detect pre-cancerous cells inside the cervix which can develop into cervical cancer. Early detection of changes to cervical cells is vitally important in minimising the impact of the disease, which is why all women over the age of 25 are encouraged to have cervical screens.

Dr Katrina Herren, Medical Director, Bupa Health and Wellbeing, said, ‘Cervical screening detects pre-cancerous cells which can develop into cervical cancer. Early detection of pre-cancerous cells is vitally important in preventing cervical cancer so if your test does detect these abnormal cells, don’t panic. It means that the cells which could develop into the cancer have been detected and can be monitored closely or treated to prevent them developing into cancer.’