‘Defeat Fears Over Smears’

Health officials in North Staffordshire are urging women to conquer their fears and have smear tests which could save their lives.

They have launched the campaign Call to Action, aimed particularly at women aged between 25 and 39. It follows a fall in the number in that age group having the screening.

In a joint initiative by Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire Primary Care Trusts, the women are encouraged to contact their surgery or community clinic for an appointment. Alternatively, a walk-in service is at Ryecroft Health Centre, Newcastle, every Thursday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

PCT screening co-ordinator Dr Mary Synnott said: “Regular cervical screening prevents 75 per cent of cases of cervical cancer. The NHS programme saves about 45 lives each year in the North Staffordshire area.

“An early test is the best way to prevent cervical cancer.”

(c) 2008 Sentinel, The (Stoke-on-Trent UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.