Increase awareness about reducing the risks of cervical cancer

Published: 17 October 2011

Jenny Greenfield reports on the work of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women under 35 in the UK. Three women die every day from cervical cancer with more than 2,800 new cases diagnosed each year.

On top of that some 300,000 women a year are told they have a cervical abnormality that may require treatment.  Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is a UK charity dedicated to women, their families and friends affected by cervical abnormalities and cervical cancer. The charity offers information and support 24 hours a day both online and face-to-face. 

The challenge of screening uptake The UK is fortunate to have both cervical screening and HPV vaccination programmes.  It is estimated that cervical screening saves around 4,500 lives a year in England and that by 2030 there will be significant reduction in the numbers of women under 30 being diagnosed thanks to HPV vaccination. However, there is a real concern over the numbers of women and girls not taking up these potentially life- saving programmes.

In 2009-10, 20 per cent of women overall didn’t take up their invitation, with 34 per cent of the 25-29 age group not attending. The‘Jade Goody’ effect looks to have come to an end and even be in decline. In addition, the numbers of girls aged 17-18 taking part in the routine HPV vaccination ‘catch up’ programme was below 40 per cent.  Being more targeted With such high numbers of women not taking part in these programmes, the charity has put in place a long term strategy to run targeted campaigns to increase awareness of cervical cancer prevention. 

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week takes place 22 -28 January 2012. Are you able to support the week?
You could help by:
• putting up posters or leaflets in your surgeries
• displaying the Jo’s Trust cervical screening advert on your website.

Visit Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust website for more information.