Screenings encouraged but stats show awareness is growing

Monday 17 June 2024

2023 saw an increase in the number of women going for cervical screening compared to previous years - according to Public Health.

Appointments are offered for free to all women and people with a cervix, between the ages of 25 and 64.

Those eligible should attend their screenings regularly, with the current recommendation being every three years.

The screenings are vital in detecting changes in the cervix such as the appearance of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which can lie dormant for many years.

HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. If it detected the screening sample can be checked for changes to the cells in the cervix, which, if caught early, can be treated before they turn into cervical cancer.

Pictured: Cervical screenings are vital in detecting changes in the cervix such as the appearance of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which can lie dormant for many years.

Diane Mathews is the Strategic Lead for Screening.

“Cervical cancer is preventable and curable, and we now have the tools to make the disease a thing of the past," she said.

"The cervical screening programme, together with our HPV vaccination programme and treatment, helps us move towards our goal of eliminating cervical cancer in the Bailiwick."

Public Health says more people attended their appointment last year compared to previous years and they want that positive trend to continue.

"Approximately 74% of people aged 25-49 years and 81% of people aged 50-64 years attended their screening in Guernsey last year," said Mrs Matthews. "This is positive news and an improvement on previous years.

"We would like to encourage even more islanders who are entitled to an appointment to take advantage of this free service. The test is quick (approximately 15 minutes) and importantly can help save lives by detecting the first signs of cervical disease so treatment can be given early, before any abnormal cells turn cancerous.

"Many people will be unaware they have HPV and, although most infections are benign, up to 90% of cervical cancers are formed by HPV; it is the leading cause of cervical cancer.”

Pictured: The cervix is the lower narrow end of the uterus (womb) that connects the uterus to the vagina.

Any woman - or anyone with a cervix - who has symptoms such as unusual bleeding, changes to discharge, or unexpected pain should contact their doctor and get it checked out.

More information about cervical screening can be found HERE. 

Cervical Screening Awareness 

The cervix is the lower narrow end of the uterus (womb) that connects the uterus to the vagina.

During Cervical Screening Awareness Week (17-23 June), all women and people with a cervix are being encouraged to go for their free screening appointment when they are invited by their GP.

Eligible islanders should attend their screenings regularly (current recommended intervals are every three years for those aged 25-49, and every five years for those aged 50-64) as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can lie dormant for many years.