Cervical Screening

NO CASES OF CERVICAL CANCER DETECTED IN FULLY VACCINATED PEOPLE IN RENFREWSHIRE

Natalie Don-Innes MSP has welcomed the encouraging news that no cases of cervical cancer have been reported among fully vaccinated individuals across Renfrewshire.

Recent figures reveal that 75.9% of pupils in Renfrewshire received the HPV vaccine last year, and there have been no instances of cervical cancer detected in those who are fully vaccinated.

Data from Public Health Scotland further highlights that since the HPV immunisation programme began in 2008, no cases of cervical cancer have been identified in fully vaccinated women across Scotland.

Commenting on the findings, Natalie Don-Innes MSP said:

“We have made great progress in Renfrewshire and across Scotland in detecting cervical cancer and providing preventative treatments.

“These statistics are a testament to the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine—there have been no cases of cervical cancer among those who are fully vaccinated.

“There can be no doubt about the efficacy of this preventative healthcare, and I encourage all those in Renfrewshire North and West who are offered this vaccine to take it.”

Natalie Don MSP highlights Cervical Screening Awareness Week

“Cervical screening saves lives, preventing up to 7 in 10 incidences of cervical cancer. Despite this, almost 1 in 3 do not attend their cervical screening (smear test) when invited,” said Natalie Don MSP, commenting on Cervical Screening Awareness Week which runs from 20th to 26th June 2022 and aims to highlight the importance of regular cervical screening for women’s health.

Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer in women under 35 with two women in the UK per day dying from the disease. Regular cervical screening appointments can prevent up to 75% of instances of cervical cancer, saving 5000 lives per year. Cervical Screening Awareness Week is organised by the charity Jo’s trust, a charity dedicated to women affected by cervical cancer or abnormalities.

Cervical Screening Awareness week aims to encourage all women to have regular cervical screening as well as to provide information and reassurance around any fears or embarrassment that women may have concerning taking the test.

Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP said:

“Cervical Screening Awareness Week aims to highlight the importance of regular screening and to help tackle the concerns of women who don’t attend their appointments.

“When found early, cervical cancer is highly treatable and associated with high survival rates so raising awareness of symptoms, encouraging cervical screening attendance and noticing any changes which are unusual for you and your body is vital.

“It is important to make sure you don’t miss your cervical screening appointment, if you have concerns over this you should talk to your GP about this as soon as possible.”