Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect women from cervical cancer, which claims nearly two lives daily in England, according to NHS England.
Therefore, all women and those with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are encouraged to attend cervical screening when invited.
Sadly, 3 in 10 of those eligible for cervical screening do not take up the potentially life-saving offer, as revealed by the NHS Cervical Screening Programme,
England 2022-2023 annual report.
Pharmacist Thorrun Govind, also a Healthcare Lawyer (Brabners LLP), underscores the significant role pharmacists and pharmacy teams can play in promoting cervical
cancer screening.
The former Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in England told Pharmacy Business: "Pharmacists and pharmacy teams are a trusted part of the local
community. They therefore have a key part in promoting cervical cancer screening."
NHS England has urged women to accept cervical screening invites to make it possible to eliminate the disease within the next two decades.
Screening using a highly effective test helps detect human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for over 99 per cent of all cervical cancers.
Sadly, three in ten of those eligible for screening do not take up the potentially life-saving offer, as shown by the NHS Cervical Screening Programme,
England 2022-2023 annual report.
The report, published by NHSE on Thursday, showed that a total of 4.62 million women aged 25 to 64 for cervical screening was invited to book an appointment
in 2022-23, and 3.43 million attended the screening.
The National Health Service England (NHSE) aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 by making the lifesaving Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination
easily accessible to people and increasing cervical screening uptake.
In addition to the campaign, the NHS is expanding the outreach of cervical screening more than ever before.
Last year, the health service invited over five million people aged 25 to 64 for the screening, out of which 3.5 million were tested.
Moreover, self-sampling will be trialled to see if the service can introduced as part of national screening.
England is among the first countries in the world to set this elimination ambition, which could save thousands of lives every year in the country.
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of Officer of NHS England, announced the health service's new goal and how to achieve it at the NHS Providers' annual conference
today (15 November).
Regular health screenings are an essential part of maintaining wellness, and one vital test for women is the Pap smear. Known for its role in early
detection of cervical cancer, the Pap smear is a simple yet powerful tool that can potentially save lives. In this blog, we will explore the significance of Pap
smears, what the procedure involves, and how often you should get tested.
The Importance of Regular Local Screenings
Staying on top of your health requires vigilance, and regular local screenings play an indispensable role in this effort. Local screenings, like Pap smears, are
essential in detecting potential health issues at their earliest stages, making treatments more effective and improving outcomes.
By participating in these routine checks, you not only safeguard your health but also contribute to broader public health efforts by identifying and addressing
potential outbreaks or health trends within the community. Whether that's HPV and Pap tests in Singapore or a mammogram in the US, local screenings are crucial
for maintaining overall wellness. This is especially true for Pap smears, as they play a significant role in detecting and preventing cervical cancer.