The NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves thousands of lives every year by checking for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that cause nearly all cervical cancers.
Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are eligible for screening. Females registered with their GP practice are invited for routine screening every 3 years if they are aged 25 and 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.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “High risk HPV testing, performed at your cervical screening, is a more sensitive and accurate test than the previous method and 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.
“Even if you've been vaccinated against HPV, it's still important that you attend your cervical screening appointment when invited.
“Combined with the HPV vaccine, cervical screening could make cervical cancer a thing of the past – every screening is potentially saving a life.
“If you’ve received your invitation, call your GP practice to book as soon as possible – evening and weekend appointments may be available. And if you missed your last cervical screening, call your GP now as it’s not too late.”
For more information, please visit What is cervical screening? To find out more visit Cervical Screening Awareness Week.
