Cervical cancer screening stepped up in city

A new service offering evening and weekend cervical cancer screening appointments has been launched in Wolverhampton.

It is hoped the new measures will boost uptake rates in the city, which public health officials say currently sit below the national average.

GP practices will contact patients to provide more flexible appointment times with simpler booking processes and text reminders, the City of Wolverhampton Council said.

Patients will also be given greater information to help with concerns and tackle myths around screening.

"Two women die every day from cervical cancer in England yet it is one of the most preventable cancers," said councillor Obaida Ahmed, the cabinet member for health.

"Attending screening, along with [HPV] vaccination, can help prevent it before it starts, or enable earlier treatment."

Pennfields Medical Centre is among those taking part.

Clinical director Dr Kam Ahmed said patients faced barriers to attending cervical screening, including work commitments, caring responsibilities and anxiety about the test itself.

"By offering evening and weekend clinics and taking the time to have supportive, reassuring conversations we are making screening more accessible and less daunting," he said.

According to the NHS website, cervical screening involves taking a small sample of cells from the cervix for testing.

It is usually done by a female nurse or doctor and takes less than five minutes.

Researchers estimate that the screening, which later looks for abnormal cell changes and treats them before they become cancerous, could prevent 70% of cervical cancer deaths in England.

Cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, but as the disease progresses, common symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding.

Those aged 25 to 64 are invited for screening through their GP every five years.

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.