 Cervical
Screening Awareness Week
8-14th June 2009
As the UK's only dedicated cervical cancer charity, Jo's Trust, prepares
for its annual Screening Awareness Week from June 8 - 14, the event takes
on even more significance following in the wake of TV celebrity Jade Goody's
diagnosis and tragic death from the disease at the age of 27.
 CERVICAL
CANCER CHARITY PREPARES FOR SCREENING AWARENESS WEEK
The focus of the week is a major national postcard and poster campaign*
targeting women in the 25 plus age group - those who show a tendency not
to respond to screening invitations - in UK bars, clubs, health clubs
and, for Scotland and Wales where the screening age is lower, universities.
The age for women to be screened in England was 20 until 2004 but it
was subsequently increased to 25. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
the screening remains at 20. A decision is awaited from government on
whether to reverse the age in England.
Cervical cancer is the most preventable form of cancer yet it is still
the second biggest killer of women under 35. Each year in the UK around
3,000 women are diagnosed, with 1,000 dying from the disease.
It is not believed to be hereditary, 99.7% cases caused by persistent
infection with a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very
common virus transmitted through skin to skin contact in the genital area.
Up to 75% of people at reproductive age will be infected with HPV at some
point in their lives but for the majority of women it will not result
in cervical cancer.
Detection of early changes in the cervix by regular screening is - to
date - the most effective way of preventing this cancer from developing.
More than four million women in the UK are invited to attend a smear test
every year. More than 90% receive a normal smear result.
But there is a worrying trend. Fewer younger women are attending regular
screening following their invitation. Robert Music, director of Jo's Trust,
said: "The aim of the charity's screening awareness week is to reinforce
the message that screening saves lives. We urgently need to educate women
- particularly those in the 25 plus age group - on the importance of attending
regular screening for cervical cancer. Last year one million women didn't
attend - potentially putting their lives at risk. The tragic death of
Jade Goody must be a constant reminder of how vigilant we must be."
About Jo's Trust
Jo's Trust is a registered charity established in 1999 by James Maxwell
in memory of his wife Jo who died of cervical cancer. Jo's Trust is dedicated
to women, their families and friends affected by pre-cancer and cancer
of the cervix. Visit www.jotrust.co.uk
if you would like more information or you would like to help them to raise
awareness and funds.
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