People are encouraged to take up cervical screening invites

Invitations for a smear test are sent out to people with a cervix from the age of 25.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week began on Monday (January 17) and will run until January 23.

As part of the week, health professionals are reinforcing the importance of screening and that the test is more sensitive.

Dr Tim Patterson, director of public health at NHS Borders, said: “Even if everything feels fine, it’s important not to ignore your smear test invite as it can stop cervical cancer before it starts.

“HPV testing, which is carried out as part of your smear test, is much more effective and sensitive, helping identify those at higher risk of cervical cancer much quicker.

“It takes a long time for HPV to develop into cervical cancer, so it’s very rare for a woman who doesn’t have HPV to develop cervical cancer within five years.”

He added: “If HPV is found as part of your smear, please try not to worry. HPV is very common, and you’ll be invited back every year to monitor any cell changes, before they could potentially develop into cervical cancer.

“It’s understandable to feel anxious about the smear test itself, but the five-minute test could is the best way of preventing cervical cancer, so please don’t put it off.”

There are around 3,100 cases of cervical cancer each year in the UK, according to Cancer Research figures.

For anyone whose test returns with HPV found – the main cause of cervical cancer – they will be invited for screening every year to monitor cell changes, allowing treatment to be given as soon as possible.

For those whose test samples return with no signs of HPV, they will be invited for further screening in five years – Scotland introduced the five year screening for people with a cervix between the ages of 25-49 with no HPV in March 2020.

For more information on cervical screening, visit nhsinform.scot/cervicalcancer and for information on HPV, visit www.jostrust.org.uk/hpv