The NHS is marking Cervical Cancer Awareness week, by urging people to sign up for screenings and vaccines.

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is urging those who have been invited to take up their cervical screening.

When invited last year, nearly a third of 25-64 year olds did not book an appointment. In Cumbria, the figure is 25 per cent.

Sister Julie Thomas, an oncology nurse specialist at NCIC said: “Please do not defer your smear if it is due, attending your smear test could save your life.

“If you are not due your smear but you have developed any concerning symptoms then please make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible for examination.

“The Cervical Screening Programme helps save thousands of lives every year and I would encourage those who are invited to ensure they attend their screening. It can be vital in finding early abnormalities that can be treated before there are even any signs of cancer.

“The screenings check for high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which may cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix. It is a common virus that most people have at some point in their life without realising, and in most cases it usually goes away on its own. However, over time these cells can turn into cancer if left untreated.

“Screenings typically take place at your GP practice, and there shouldn’t be anything to worry about – staff at the practices will help you feel at ease and treat you with dignity.

“It can be a little uncomfortable but the check only takes a few minutes and it is so important.

“If you receive an invite, especially if you have missed your last screening, please make sure you book your appointment as soon as possible. A screening could ultimately save your life.”

At the same time, NHS England is urging young people and their parents to ensure they consent to having the HPV vaccine.

Figures released today show that one in six girls and one in five boys are not fully vaccinated by year 10.

The latest statistics from UKHSA for the academic year 2022/23 show that while uptake for girls and boys in year 8 slightly increased when compared to 2021-22, it has dropped in years 9 and 10.

Last year, the NHS pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. This is reliant on as many young people as possible getting the lifesaving HPV vaccination and increasing cervical screening uptake.

Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening for NHS England, said: “The successful HPV vaccination programme already helps save thousands of lives, but through increasing uptake in young people alongside boosting the numbers coming forward for cervical screening, the NHS in England hopes to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.

“Today’s figures show that at the end of this academic year, over 500,000 girls and boys have been vaccinated with a dose of protection against the virus by the end of year 10, however, there are over 50,000 girls and over 70,000 boys in year 10 who were unvaccinated against HPV, so we’re urging parents of young people eligible for a vaccine to consent to their children getting their HPV vaccines from nurses when they visit schools.

“With just one dose now offering full protection to under 25s, it is easier than ever to ensure your child is fully protected – so please do check your child’s vaccination status and consent for them to get vaccinated if they aren’t up to date – vaccination saves lives.”

Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “The HPV vaccination programme is one of the most successful in the world with millions of doses given since it started in 2008. It has dramatically lowered the rates of cervical cancer and harmful infections in both women and men – preventing many cancers and saving lives.

“All girls and boys in Year 8 are eligible for the HPV vaccine and evidence now shows that one dose gives excellent protection.  We urge everyone who is eligible to take up this potentially lifesaving vaccine when offered.

“If you missed your HPV vaccine contact your school nurse, school immunisation team or GP practice to arrange an appointment – you can catch-up until your 25th birthday.”