Women are being advised not to take a chance on their wellbeing by skipping vital health checks.
This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week – which provides an opportunity to raise awareness about symptoms and prevention.
Concerns are being raised that young women living in Cheshire East are not having regular smear tests. Many women aged 25 to 34 are putting off screening and only 76 per cent have had a smear test, even though this is the age group where cervical cancer is most common.
Councillor Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of health and care in the community, said: "Although Cheshire East has good screening rates for women in their 40s and above, we are particularly worried about the falling rates in younger women."
Cervical cancer can easily be prevented by a simple smear test. The test is offered to women aged 25 to 50 every three years, then every five years for women aged 51 to 64.
Dr Heather Grimbaldeston, Director of Public Health for Cheshire East, said: "The test can detect early changes which, if left untreated, could lead to cervical cancer. If you are worried about having a smear test, talk to your GP or practice nurse."
Cervical cancer is also being prevented through the HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine) that has been offered to girls aged 12 to 13 years old for the past seven years. It protects against the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers in young women.
Within Cheshire East uptake of the vaccine has been excellent with 19 out of every 20 teenagers being vaccinated.
Cllr Rachel Bailey, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of children and families, said: "We encourage parents of teenage girls to accept the offer of the vaccine when they are invited by their school health service.
"It is also important that your daughter has all her HPV injections to ensure she is covered. If you think your daughter has missed any of these vaccinations, please contact the school health team via the school.
"If you were vaccinated against HPV as an older teenager, please remember it does not protect against all types of cervical cancer, so it is still important to have a smear test."
Vince Hall, lead colposcopist for East Cheshire NHS Trust, said: "It is absolutely critical that women attend for their screening. The test can detect early changes which, if left untreated, could lead to cervical cancer."
Photo: Councillor Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of health and care in the community.
