Too many women missing cancer test, council says

A third of those eligible for a cervical cancer screening are not taking up the offer, according to figures from one local council.

West Northamptonshire Council said 31% of those given the appointments were not attending them.

The figure is roughly in line with attendance nationwide recorded by NHS England.

A council spokesperson said the test was "vital in helping to prevent the development of cancer".

The test is routinely offered to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64.

Figures show cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer in women in the UK, with about 3,200 new cases every year.

All eligible people registered with a GP (as female) automatically receive an invitation by post.

Dr Annapurna Sen, consultant in health protection for West Northamptonshire Council, said: "If you have missed your last appointment, please take the time to call your GP and discuss booking an appointment."

The Healthwatch organisation says the main reasons why people do not attend their screening appointment are:

• Lack of information
• Appointments being unsuitable
• Fear of discomfort or embarrassment

West Northamptonshire Council added that children aged 12 and 13 were invited to receive the HPV vaccination and urged parents to consent to the procedure.

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