AS figures reveal cervical screenings are at their lowest for two decades, women in Sandwell are being reminded of the importance of having regular smear tests.

NHS Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Sandwell Council have joined forces in their support of the #SmearForSmear 2018 campaign, which runs from January 22 to 28 as part of ‘Cervical Cancer Prevention Week’.

Figures show more women per 100,000 die from the disease in Sandwell than the same proportion across the West Midlands and England. Rates are particularly poor for women from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities, those living in areas of high deprivation and migrant women – particularly Polish, Romanian and other Eastern Europeans.

It has been estimated that smear tests – which should be taken every three years for women aged 25 to 49 and every five for 50 to 64-year-olds – save around 4,500 lives in the UK each year.

Dr Nick Harding, CCG chairman, said: “We are urging all women between the ages of 25 and 64 to go to their GP practice for their smear test. This is vital as early-stage cervical cancers don’t usually have symptoms and are generally detected through screening.

“By detecting early abnormalities in the cervix, or the neck of the womb, we can prevent women from going on to get cancer and improve survival rates. It is also important that if you have any abnormal symptoms between your smear tests that you see your GP.”

For younger women, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations routinely given to girls across the country aged 12 and 13 can help prevent seven out of 10 cervical cancers.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “Getting a smear test is something that a lot of us women can put off for a range of reasons. However we know that early detection is the key to preventing cancer and improving survival rates.

“I would urge all women who are eligible to prioritise themselves and their health and make sure they have regular smear tests.”

For more information on #SmearForSmear 2018, visit www.jostrust.org.uk.