Figures show fewer women in Oldham attended their regular cervical screening 'smear tests' in 2021 than in 2019.

NHS Digital Data has revealed just 69 per cent of the 63,228 patients in Oldham eligible for a cervical screening attended by the end of 2021 and had a clear result.

And although this was matched in line with the end of 2020, it is still a notable decline from the 72 per cent of patients that went for their screening by December 2019.

However, results also varied between age groups with fewer young women attending their screening compared to women in the 50-plus age bracket.

Cervical screenings are offered to those with a cervix aged between 25 to 49 every three years while women aged 50 to 64 are invited for a test every five years.

For 50 to 64-year-olds in Oldham 74 per cent were tested for pre-cancerous abnormalities by the end of December, yet just 66 per cent of 25 to 49-year-olds had attended.

This differs from the wider picture for England where 70 per cent of women attended their smear test by the end of 2021 and 72 per cent had attended by December 2019.

Nationally, the UK is aiming to meet a target of 80 per cent of people with a cervix being regularly screened.

The procedure is fast and painless, with momentary discomfort, but is vital to help prevent the fourth most common cancer in women.

Around 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England every year and approximately 690 women die from the disease according to NHS statistics.

However, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has warned that women across the country are still skipping their appointments due to fear, embarrassment or a lack of understanding of what the test involves.

Samantha Dixon, chief executive of Jo's Trust, said: “There is no one reason behind falling cervical screening attendance, instead a wide range of factors exist.

"These include NHS pressures, fear, embarrassment and not knowing what the test is for or thinking it is relevant."

Cervical Screening Awareness Week was held last week (June 20-26) in a bid to encourage more women to attend these important screenings.

Ms Dixon added: "Cervical Screening Awareness Week is the ideal time to provide tips, reminders and signpost to support about the test, but work is needed all year round to tackle barriers and support more women and people with a cervix to attend this potentially life-saving test.”

Cancer Research UK estimates cervical screening saves at least 2,000 lives annually, but separate research by King’s College London found that screening women every five years instead of three could be beneficial.

Researchers said that screening women aged 24 to 49 who test negative for human papillomavirus (HPV) at five-year intervals curbed as many cancers as screening every three years.

The study of 1.3 million women in England found that women under 50 were less likely to develop clinically relevant cervical lesions and cervical cancer three years after a negative HPV test compared to a negative smear test.

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “This builds on findings from years of research showing HPV testing is more accurate at predicting who is at risk of developing cervical cancer compared to the previous way of testing.

“As changes to the screening programmes are made, they will be monitored to help ensure that cervical screening is as effective as possible for all who take part.

“It’s important to remember, screening is for people without symptoms.

"So, if you notice any unusual changes for you, do not wait for a screening invitation – speak to your doctor.”