GPs in Tower Hamlets are supporting the national Cervical Screening Awareness Week (15-21 June) to provide reassurance that it is safe to attend cervical screening appointments, which can reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
GPs in Tower Hamlets say that the NHS is here to help, and anyone who receives invitations or reminder letters for screening appointments should attend. Screening appointments can be crucial because early diagnosis and treatment of cancer greatly increases the chances of survival.
Dr Tania Anastasiadis, a local GP and Clinical Lead for Cancer at NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:
"While there's no single way to prevent cervical cancer, there are ways of reducing the risk. Spotting and treating it at an early stage is key to successful treatment so having a smear test is not only very important, it can help save lives.
"As part of Cervical Screening Awareness Week 2020, the message hasn't changed - we are still urging women and people with a cervix in Tower Hamlets to attend their regular screening appointments when invited."
To help raise awareness of why screening is still important, visit Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust website. The website has a 'hub' of information and support, covering topics including cervical screening. If you are worried and need to talk, there is a free Helpline on 0808 802 8000.
You can find more information on Cervical Screening on the NHS England website.
