Local MSP Brian Whittle gave his backing to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust when they visited the Scottish Parliament during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week as part of their efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK.
Cervical cancer currently kills two women in the UK every day and the charity is calling for more action, innovation, and greater awareness to help end cervical cancer.
Brian is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s campaign, by encouraging women in the South Scotland Region to attend their cervical screening when invited, and by supporting the efforts of the HPV immunisation programme. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust recognises that attending a screening isn’t always easy, which is why they offer information and support if to anyone looking for reassurance.
In its latest report, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity found that only 17% of health professionals working across cervical cancer prevention think enough is currently being done to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK. Only 20% think enough is being done to ensure high levels of HPV vaccine uptake, and just 16% believe that enough is being done to support cervical screening uptake.
Cervical screening coverage in Ayrshire and Arran was only 71% in 2020-2021, down 1.5% from previously recorded years. This means that about a third of women in Ayrshire and Arran do not attend their screening when invited. Currently, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is developing a new project with Ayrshire and Arran Health Board to reduce barriers to accessing cervical screening services faced by that one-third of women.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“It was a pleasure to meet with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust in Holyrood and hear more about their efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK
Cervical screening and HPV vaccines can both help prevent cervical cancer, and I encourage everyone who’s eligible to take them up when offered.
If you’re anxious about it or have concerns about how screening or the vaccine work, please talk with your GP or use the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Helpline.
I’m delighted Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust are working with NHS Ayrshire and Arran to provide specialist support to those facing barriers in accessing care, including people with a physical disability and people who have experienced sexual violence.”
Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive at Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said:
“A world without cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. The UK has the tools to make it a reality which is incredibly exciting. We need Government action to get there as soon as possible, but everyone can play their part. Going for cervical screening when invited, and making sure your child is vaccinated against HPV, will help make cervical cancer a thing of the past.
“We must also continue to invest in research, improve access to treatments, and banish the stigma and blame that too often comes with a cervical cancer diagnosis. Being forward looking should not mean those living with and beyond cancer get left behind.”
To get involved with Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, and the #WeCan End Cervical Cancer campaign, follow Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust on social media or visit the website at jostrust.org.uk
