Regular cervical screening, offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64, helps to prevent more than two-thirds of deaths from cervical cancer.
Screening checks for the high-risk HPV virus which causes nearly all cervical cancers. This is the best way to find out who is at higher risk of developing the cervical cell changes that, over time, could potentially lead to cervical cancer.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Two women die every day from cervical cancer in England. Yet it is one of the most preventable cancers and getting screened can help stop it before it starts.
"Early detection is the best form of defence against cervical cancer, which is why screening tests are so important.
“The test is quick and straightforward, and usually carried out by a female nurse or doctor at a GP practice.
“We know that some people feel nervous or uncomfortable about the test, but being screened regularly means any problems can be found early and, if necessary, treated to stop cancer developing.
"This 4 week group programme, which will take place from the comfort of home over Zoom, aims to work with people to tackle any fears they may have, and overcome barriers that stop them from attending their screening appointment."
The group will meet for 4 weeks, from Wednesday 6 July. To join, please visit Cervical Cancer Screening Education Programme, call 01902 916994 or email publichealth@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Women and people with a cervix registered with their GP practice are invited for routine screening every three years if they are aged 25 to 49 and every 5 years if they are aged 50 to 64. Those registered as male need to request an appointment from their GP or a local sexual health clinic.
It is estimated that cervical screening prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths in England, and that if everyone attended screening regularly, 83% of cervical cancer deaths could be prevented.
Councillor Jaspal added: "I would encourage anyone who is eligible to take up their cervical screening test invitation as soon as possible – it’s a few minutes that could save your life.”
For more information, please visit NHS.
