CERVICAL cancer screening uptake in Oxfordshire has fallen since the pandemic, new NHS data shows.

These kind of screenings are important tests that can help prevent the fourth most common cancer in women.

Also known as "smear tests", they are offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 49 every three years.

Those aged 50 to 64 receive their invitations every five years and for both age groups, a small sample of cells is taken and checked for pre-cancerous abnormalities. Most cervical screening is done in a GP surgery by a female nurse or doctor.

Data from the NHS showed that only 69 per cent of the 206,518 patients in Oxfordshire eligible for a smear test by the end of 2021 attended a screening and had a clear result.

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This was in line with the end of 2020, but a decrease from 71 per cent in December 2019.

Rates varied between the age groups last year and the uptake is shown to be lower among young people, as 75 per cent of eligible 50 to 64-year-olds had been screened as of the end of December, compared to 66 per cent of 25 to 49-year-olds.

Cancer charities in Oxford are urging people to attend a screening when eligible as they say this could save their lives.

Maggie’s Oxford, a cancer charity based in the grounds of the Churchill Hospital, said it's vital for people to take an active role in early cancer detection by attending screening appointments and age-related check-ups, including cervical cancer screenings.  

Claire Marriot, centre head at Maggie's Oxford, said: "There are lots of reasons people may delay going for cervical screening - they may think cancer won't happen to them, they may be scared of the results or the test itself.

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“It is so important to keep up regular cervical screening - catching abnormalities early significantly reduces the chance of cancer.

“If you are putting off your smear test or are worried about cancer symptoms in any way then our centre's professional cancer support specialists are here to talk you through any concerns and to help you find the support you need."

Around 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England each year and approximately 690 women die from the disease, according to NHS statistics which pre-date the coronavirus pandemic.

Cancer Research UK estimates that cervical screening saves at least 2,000 lives annually in the UK and studies suggest that many cancers could still be prevented by women being screened every five years instead of every three.

For more information, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/how-to-book/