Young women urged to have smear test

New research has shown that young women aged 25 to 49 in Calderdale are less likely to attend a smear test in comparison to women aged 50 to 64.

This year in Calderdale only 76 per cent of eligible young women had a smear test compared to 80 per cent of women aged 50 to 64.

Every year in the UK, over 3,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer - itis the most common cancer in women under 35.

During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (January 24 to 30) Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is urging all young women to attend their cervical smear test when invited.

Dr Nigel Taylor of Hebden Bridge Group Practice and the CCG’s Cancer Lead, said: “Cervical smear tests are really important. Regular testing looks for changes in the cervix that may lead to cancer if left untreated, so really, this test can prevent a woman getting cancer of the cervix.

“I really want to encourage all eligible women to have a smear test regularly, to keep healthy.”