John Baron MP supports Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

MP encourages women to attend screening sessions

John Baron MP, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer, is supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s #SmearForSmear campaign in particular. This aims to raise awareness of how women can reduce their risk of cervical cancer through attending regular cervical screening, knowing the symptoms and risk factors, and taking up the HPV vaccination if offered.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s recent research found that embarrassment had caused 35% of young women to delay attending their screening. Among those who have delayed or not attended, over a quarter find it too hard to make an appointment and over a third wouldn’t go if they had to take time off work. In Essex, more than a quarter of women do not take up their cervical screening invitation.

John said,

“I am pleased to support Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. Cervical screening prevents up to 75% of cervical cancers developing, so it is concerning that so many women are not attending this test when invited. Nothing should deter women from attending a potentially life-saving test, and I encourage everyone to take up their invitations.”

Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said:

“We are extremely pleased to have John Baron MP on board this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening, and that so many women are unaware of the importance of attending. I would urge women to not let unhappiness about your body stop you from attending what could be a life-saving test. Nurses are professionals who carry out millions of tests every year, they can play a big part in ensuring women are comfortable.”