Jo's Trust welcomes increase in cervical screening uptake in England
News Release
Jo’s Trust welcomes increase in cervical screening uptake in England
Jo’s Trust, the UK’s only dedicated cervical cancer charity is pleased to see that for the first time since 2002 there has been an increase in the numbers of women attending cervical screening, from 78.6 per cent at 31 March 2008 to 78.9 per cent at 31 March 2009.
For 2008-9 the numbers of number of eligible women undergoing cervical screening increased by just under 400,000 according to a report out today from The NHS Information Centre. The number of eligible women aged 25 to 64 being screened rose by just under 12 per cent last year, from 3.2 million to 3.6 million.
In addition there was an increase in coverage among 25 to 49-year-olds who had undergone screening in the previous three to three and a half years increasing from 69.3 per cent at 31 March 2008 to 72.5 per cent at 31 March 2009.
Robert Music, director of Jo’s Trust said, “The increase in women deciding to take up their invitation for screening is extremely positive news. Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease thanks to the cervical screening and HPV vaccination programmes. It is great that more women have been proactive about looking after their health.”
“I have no doubt that a major reason for the increase is thanks to awareness of cervical cancer through Jade Goody being so open about her own story and those that have continued to work tirelessly to get the message out there that screening saves lives. I sincerely hope that Jade’s legacy continues and that we see a further increase in attendance over the coming months and years.”
“Despite the positive increase in younger women going for screening, one in three women aged 25-34 still didn’t take up their invitation. It is vital we look at how we can reach these women and persuade them to attend screening. Quite simply it could save their lives.”
-ends-
22 October 2009
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Jo’s Trust – www.jotrust.co.uk – is a registered charity established in 1999 by James Maxwell in memory of his wife Jo who died of cervical cancer. Jo’s Trust is the UK’s only dedicated cervical cancer charity offering support and information for women, their families and friends affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities.
- Since its launch 20 years ago, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme has been highly successful, saving an estimated 4,500 lives every year.
- Around 1,000 women die from cervical cancer in the UK each year with 2,800 newly diagnosed. Cervical cancer is predominantly caused by the human papilliomavirus or HPV. Spread during sexual activity (not necessarily sexual intercourse), both men and women can become infected with this virus (around 4 out of 5).
Further information:
For all Jo’s Trust enquiries please contact: Robert Music, Director: 020 7936 7498, 07980 720061, Robert@jotrust.co.uk
Last updated: 20/04/2010
