Wandsworth Care Alliance

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2025: Help encourage others you know to get screened!

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This is a week long campaign that raises awareness about cervical cancer screening and prevention on 21-28th January 2025.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is an important time to raise awareness about the life-saving benefits of regular cervical screening. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, and early detection through screening can significantly reduce the risk of developing it.

Why Cervical Screening is important?

Cervical screening, commonly known as a smear test, is designed to detect abnormal cells in the cervix that could develop into cancer if left untreated. It is a crucial preventive measure that can catch potential issues early and ensure timely intervention. Here are some key reasons why cervical screening is essential:

  • Early detection: Screening can identify changes in cervical cells before they become cancerous, making treatment more effective.
  • HPV detection: The test also checks for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a major cause of cervical cancer.
  • Prevention: Removing abnormal cells early can prevent cervical cancer from developing in the first place.
  • Painless and quick: The test is straightforward, usually taking only a few minutes, and can be lifesaving. It may cause discomfort, but the process is less than 5 minutes long. To discover more about what happens at the appointment click here.

Tips to encourage more people to get screened:

Despite the benefits, many people delay or avoid cervical screening due to fear, embarrassment, or lack of awareness. Here are some ways to encourage more participation:

  1. Raise awareness: Share information through social media, community events, and workplace wellness programs to educate people about the importance of screening.
  2. Address common concerns: Providing reassurance about the procedure’s simplicity and effectiveness can help ease fears and misconceptions.
  3. Make appointments accessible: Encouraging healthcare providers to offer flexible hours and online booking can make it easier for people to attend.
  4. Normalise conversations: Open discussions about cervical health with friends, family, and healthcare professionals can help reduce stigma.
  5. Encourage support networks: Remind people that they can bring a friend or family member for support during their appointment.
  6. Promote free or low-cost options: Ensure people are aware of available services through public health programs.


Wandsworth Care Alliance, a charity that delivers Healthwatch Wandsworth worked with IVAR to find out what the barriers are in Wandsworth for Women and specifically South Asian Women. Researched showed Wandsworth was the lowest with Cervical Screening uptakes in England. Read more about our project and findings here.

They found Women were reluctant as it’s a taboo topic, language barriers and they didn’t know what to expect in the appointment.

Taboo topic

Cervical screening is often considered an embarrassing topic to talk about. We should encourage having early conversations to show it’s a normal thing to talk about.

Language
Did you know you can ask your GP for an interpreter to be present at your appointment or to have a doctor or nurse who is able to speak to you in your language?

To find out more about cervical screening in your language click here.

Cervical Cancer screening is a vital in preventing Cancer and saving lives. During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, let’s work together to raise awareness and encourage more people to prioritise their health by getting screened. If you’re due for your screening, book your appointment today and remind others to do the same. Your health matters!

IVAR – Women’s Health Conference

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On 11th September we attended the Women’s Health Conference at the Wandsworth Town Hall, hosted by the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Sana Jafri, in collaboration with Women of Wandsworth.

One of the topics discussed was cervical screening; Wandsworth has some of the lowest cervical screening uptake rates in England, particularly in South Asian communities. Wandsworth Care Alliance, in collaboration with research organisation IVAR, have been doing some outreach to organisations that engage with women from a South Asian background. We want to understand potential barriers those women face in relation to uptake of screening, and some of the opportunities we can use for driving uptake.

Read more about the background of the project here.

Some of the findings from this event are written below:

Advertising cervical screening

  • We should broaden our thinking and target specific groups of people. For example, where do mums go? Stay and play sessions, play groups, etc. – let’s put up posters or leaflets there.
  • Can we do some outreach in smaller community groups or organisations?
  • Can we use social media or WhatsApp groups?

Language

  • Let’s think about the type of language and specific words we’re using. “Cancer” and “screening” may already be scary words for some people; therefore, we need to have easily accessible information that explains everything clearly and concisely so people can be properly informed rather than scared.
  • Professionals should also be mindful of potentially complex terminology they are using with individuals who may not speak English fluently. There are sometimes no words for certain medical procedures, conditions or instruments in certain languages. For example, there is no word for “hysterectomy” in Urdu.
  • We should make specific wording choices and use diagrams and pictures in order to aid us in explaining things clearly.

Taboo topic

  • Cervical screening is often considered an embarrassing topic to talk about. It is important to have ‘ladies only’ sessions and follow up in the community, in comfortable/safe environments. You must meet people in the places they are already going.
  • It’s good to be well informed and know the science behind why screening is important (e.g. early diagnosis, correct information). This makes it less taboo as we know that it’s an extremely common practice that everyone goes through.
  • We should be having early conversations to show it’s a normal thing to talk about. This should be in schools or before people are sexually active or having children.

    Resources:
  • Cancer Research UK – Cervical Cancer Screening

If you’d like to discuss or add to this article, please contact communications@wandcareall.org.uk

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