Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 17 - 23 Jan
Image credit: Sarah Cervantes, Unsplash
We want to help change that for people in Milton Keynes. It’s a test which saves lives, but it's natural to feel worried or anxious about a smear test.
During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week we want to share with you some tips and support, thanks to Jo's Trust, the UK's leading cervical cancer charity. Did you know there are lots of ways to make the test more comfortable?
You can…
- Ask to book a longer or double appointment
- Ask for a smaller speculum
- Put the speculum in yourself
There are lots more tips you can read on the Jo’s website
However, cervical cancer prevention doesn't stop at screening. 220,000 women and people with a cervix every year are told they have cervical cell changes after their screening, and many more are given a HPV diagnosis. Most people don’t know anything about this before it happens to them, and it can make for a very hard time.
Everyone deserves access to information and support.
We've heard from many women who are experiencing long delays with getting referrals, treatment, or even just getting to see a GP about abnormal bleeding or other gynae concerns. If this is you, please get in touch with us and share your experience. This year, we're researching women's health inequalities and we'd really value your contribution if you feel able to do so.
Women's health journey and perimenopause events
We're planning a number of information, support and listening events between January and March 2022. Each will cover certain aspects of women's health, from perimenopause to maternity care to breast screening. To register your interest in attending any of these, get in touch.