For immediate release:

MSP ENCOURAGES MORE WOMEN TO TAKE UP CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey is backing the charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust who are trying to raise awareness about how women can reduce their risk of cervical cancer.

Over 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, yet it is one of the only cancers that can actually be prevented.

Cervical screening, also known as smear tests, are the best protection against the disease, followed by the HPV vaccine offered in schools. Last year cervical screening uptake in Scotland fell from 73.4% to 72.8% meaning that more than one in four eligible women missed their screen test.

Recent research published by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, has found that young women delay or don’t go for cervical screening as they often feel scared, vulnerable, and embarrassed at the thought of going.

Last week (22nd January) Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey took part in a debate, responding to MSPs on behalf of the Scottish Government, marking Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.

During her speech, Ms Haughey spoke of the disparities in the uptake of smear tests across her Rutherglen constituency, and referenced a programme run by Clyde Gateway in Burnhill to tackle the inequalities in access to screening.

Commenting, the Rutherglen MSP said:

“I am delighted to be working with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. Cervical screening prevents up to 75% of cervical cancers developing, so it is worrying to hear that so many women are not attending this test when invited, particularly due to embarrassment.

“In my Rutherglen constituency, uptake levels range from 84.7 percent to a low of 62.4 percent, with uptake decreasing as deprivation levels increase. Locally, Clyde Gateway has developed a great project in Burnhill to increase screening levels. Through their engagement with residents on the street, door to door and via local activity groups, the project has consulted 337 local residents.”

Encouraging more women to undergo a smear test, Ms Haughey added:

“If your test is overdue, please don’t let your fears stop you booking a test. We all have a role in sharing the potentially life-saving messages about cervical screening with all the women in our lives.”

ENDS

Notes:

Transcript of Clare Haughey MSP’s speech in the cervical cancer debate (22nd January) can be found on the link below:

http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=11903&i=107602&c=2147078#ScotParlOR

Details regarding Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s research can be found on the below link:

https://www.jostrust.org.uk/node/1076499

Below is a photograph of Clare Haughey MSP speaking in the debate on the 22nd January 2019.