Cervical Screening Awareness Week was marked at the end of last month (19-25 June) during this week the PHA was highlighting the importance of attending cervical screening tests when invited.

Between 2016 and 2020 in Northern Ireland, there was an average of 81 people diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and around 21 deaths annually.

The screening test (often known as a ‘smear test’) looks for abnormal changes in the cells that line the cervix, the lower part of the womb. These abnormal changes may go on to develop into cancer if left untreated. The screening is designed to pick up any changes to these cells so that they can be monitored or treated.

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented thanks to screening, so it is really important to attend for cervical screening when invited. It could save your life. In Northern Ireland, cervical screening is available to women and other people with a cervix aged 25-64. This is the age group where screening is of most benefit. Screening is offered every three years if you are aged 25-49, and every five years if you are aged 50-64.

• For information about cervical screening, visit: www.pha.site/cervicalscreening
• To find out more about HPV visit: www.pha.site/hpvquestions