CORNWALL health bosses have launched a campaign to encourage more women to take up an offer to have cervical screening, as statistics reveal that more are missing out on the live-saving procedure.

The pandemic has seen fewer still taking up the free NHS offer, which is one of the best ways to protect against cervical cancer.

As of March 31, 2019, a total of 34,128 eligible women in Cornwall had not accepted their latest screening invitation but this rose to 38,916 for the same date in 2022.

This is why the council’s public health team has launched a campaign urging women and people with a cervix not to ignore their next invitation for a smear test. Those aged between 25 and 49 are invited every three years while those in the 50-64 age group receive an offer every five years.

Dr Whitney Curry, advanced public health practitioner at Cornwall Council, said: ‘It is really concerning that fewer and fewer women are taking up the offer of cervical screening.

‘Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet in England two women die every day from it. Screening can help catch cancer before it starts so don’t ignore your cervical screening invitation and if you missed your last one, book an appointment with your GP practice. If you’re worried that you may find the test uncomfortable, have found screening difficult in the past or you’re embarrassed about cervical screening, then you’re not alone. Talk to the nurse or doctor doing the test so they can give you the right support and help to put you at ease.’ Statistics show that before the pandemic around 76% of women in Cornwall were taking up the screening offer – but this has now dropped to 72%.