MSP urges women not to delay smear tests amid Covid restrictions
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Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has called on all women due to have a smear test to make sure they still go to appointments despite the latest lockdown restrictions.
She has made the call during this year’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week which aims to encourage all women eligible for their smear test to have one.
It comes after the Cervical Smear Screening Programme was resumed following previous restrictions caused by Covid-19.
Research by Cervical Cancer charity Jo’s Trust has shown that one in 10 women say they definitely wouldn’t attend a cervical screening currently and 22 percent are feeling less likely to attend.
Smear tests are offered to women and anyone with a cervix in Scotland between the ages of 25 and 64.
Women on non-routine screening - where screening results have shown changes that need further investigation or follow up - will be invited up to 70 years of age.
Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said: “I would urge women to make sure they go for their routine cervical smear and make an appointment to do so when their appointment comes through.
“A smear test can help show any changes to the cervix and help to prevent any issues by catching them early.
“The cervical screening process can be life-saving and I would urge anyone not to delay or put it off.
"I know it can be uncomfortable and painful for some but it is two minutes which could save your life.”
