One in four women putting lives at risk by not getting cervical smear (From Epsom Guardian)

One in four women putting lives at risk by not getting cervical smear

5:49pm Wednesday 20th January 2010

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One in four women eligible for cervical cancer smears are putting their lives at risk by not getting one as the “Jade Goody effect” wears off, a health trust has warned.

As cervical cancer remains the second-most common cancer in women aged 35 and under, NHS Surrey is urging women aged 25 to 49 to get screened Dr Ruth Milton, director of public health for NHS Surrey said: “When did you last have a smear test? Three, five, 10 years ago or maybe never?

“Sixty seven per cent of women have not had a test in the last five years in Surrey.

“Screening is offered at your GP practice and only takes a few moments. If you think you are due a screen just make an appointment with your practice nurse.”

More than 2,800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, and as many as 1,000 will die from it.

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