Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, has added her support to Cervical Screening Awareness Week (CSAW), organised by the charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. CSAW is being held this year from 12th-18th June.

Cervical cancer currently claims two lives every day in the UK, and is the most common cancer in women under 35. Cervical screening prevents up to 75% of cervical cancers, yet the number of women attending is at a 19-year low in England – and one in four women do not attend their screening appointment.

Of particular concern is the fact that cervical screening coverage in Newcastle stands at just 69.7% – the lowest rate in the North East.

Catherine said:

‘We know that cervical screening saves lives – around 5,000 in the UK each year. Yet many women still don’t understand the importance of taking up screening when invited, and the take-up figures in our city are particularly concerning.

‘This simple five-minute test really can make a difference, and I’m pleased to continue my work with Jo’s Cervical Trust to raise awareness of the importance of regular screening for women here in Newcastle.’

Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said:

‘We cannot afford to see cervical screening attendance fall any further. Diagnoses of cervical cancer in the UK are worryingly high and will only increase if more women don’t attend screening. We want to encourage women to look after their health, including the health of their cervix and that means attending cervical screening. By not attending, women are significantly increasing their risk of a life-threatening disease.’

More information about Cervical Screening Awareness Week, and cervical cancer, can be found here: www.jostrust.org.uk/csaw

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