Third of Glasgow women fail to take up smear tests

About a third of eligible women in Glasgow are failing to undergo a smear test for cervical cancer.

Figures released by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde revealed no age group in the region had hit the Scottish government target of an 80% uptake for the test.

The overall uptake was 65.2%, with a particularly low uptake among younger women and only 46.5% of those between 25-29 taking the test. The highest up-take was from women aged 50-54, at 74.7%.

Consultants with the health board said young women who have taken the HPV vaccine - which protects against most human papilloma viruses that lead to cervical cancer - should not assume the vaccine could take the place of smear tests.

Cervical screenings are offered every five years to women and people with a cervix.

Alison Potts, a consultant in public health screening at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said it was important for women to realise that cervical cancer can affect anyone with a cervix.

She said: "The uptake of cervical screening in women aged 25-29 is a real concern. We've seen excellent uptake of the HPV vaccine which protects against most Human Papilloma Viruses that lead to cervical cancer.

"While this is extremely positive as the vaccine offers good protection against HPV infection, the vaccine doesn't protect against all types of HPV or existing HPV infection that people may have.

"Please don't assume that being vaccinated means you no longer need to attend screening. That simply isn't the case."

After the figures reached 74.7% for women aged 50-54 years of age, uptake then steadily decreases among the remaining age groups, until reaching 64.4% among women 60-64.

The health board has now partnered with the Glasgow City football team in a campaign called Don't Fear The Smear, aimed at improving uptake among more young women, using social media and videos with players discussing their own experiences.

Glasgow City FC co-captain Lee Gibson said: "Sometimes it's easy to overlook important health checks and screenings.

"Hopefully, by being open about our own experiences with smear tests, we help to normalise conversations. If talking helps even one woman feel less anxious and more likely to book a screening then it's absolutely worth it."