Women ‘risking their own lives’ (From Swindon Advertiser)

Women ‘risking their own lives’

7:50pm Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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WOMEN are putting their lives at risk by not taking vital tests that detect cervical cancer say health bosses in the town.

Figures released by the Swindon Primary Care Trust (PCT) reveal the uptake of cervical screening in the town currently stands at just 76.6 per cent of eligible women, well below the national uptake of 79 per cent, and the South West regional uptake rate of 80.68 per cent.

Although the number of women in Swindon dying from the condition is in line with the national and regional averages, the PCT has launched a campaign called ‘What’s Pants!’ in a bid to encourage women to attend screening.

Frances Mayes, acting head of health inequalities for Swindon PCT, said coverage rates in Swindon rose very slightly to 77.32 per cent for the first quarter of 2009/10 in response to the death of Jade Goody, but have since dipped.

“At present, there does not appear to be a link between the relatively low rate of uptake of screening and the number of cases or deaths from cervical cancer,” she said.

“However, we are aware that the screening programme is very effective at preventing incidence of cancer and are committed to improve the uptake of screening in Swindon.

“This is important for the general population but also because evidence has shown that those from deprived areas, those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities, are less likely to take up the offer of screening and will therefore be at higher risk of contracting cervical cancer.

“Locally, we can see that uptake in practices which largely service areas of deprivation is lower than elsewhere in the town with a range between practices of a high of 89 per cent and a low of 49 per cent.”

Despite the latest figures, uptake of the human papillomavirus vaccinations (HPV) amongst year eight girls remains high, with more than 93 per cent of girls accepting the jabs, and an uptake rate of 90 per cent for girls of all ages.

“Girls will still need to take up the offer of screenng when they reach the appropriate age,” said Frances.

The HPV vaccination sessions will commence at the end of this month at all schools in the town.

If a girl does not want it at school, or misses a dose at school, HPV clinics are held at the Clover centre at GWH and vaccination is by appointment only.

Catch-up clinics are still running for girls under 18 who need to complete the course, or who missed the vaccine.

To book an appointment, call 01793 889413.