Cervical screening awareness event taking place in Brighton
A free cervical screening awareness event is taking place in Brighton this weekend, with the aim of dispelling some of the myths around the screening process.
More than 3,000 people will be diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, but many of those who are eligible for cervical screening do not take up the NHS’ offer of an appointment.
The cancer is most common among women under 35, but it can affect anyone with a cervix – including trans men who have kept their cervix after surgery.
There are a host of reasons why people do not take up the offer of cervical screening, with one in five people in Brighton and Hove saying they were even too embarrassed to attend their appointment, or were worried it would be painful. Screening rates are further impacted by the fact that typically anyone who is trans and registered with a GP as male won’t be automatically invited for screening.
In reality, the process is less daunting than many people expect; the entire appointment rarely lasts longer than 20 minutes, with the test itself commonly lasting less than three.
Importantly, the earlier a cervical cancer is identified, the more likely the chance of successfully treating it, meaning regular cervical screening is an important part of combating the condition.
To help tackle some of the misconceptions and concerns surround cervical screening, Brighton & Hove Albion’s official charity will be at Wellsbourne Healthcare CIC, in Whitehawk Road, on Saturday 17 November between 10am and 1pm as part of its long-running cancer awareness project.
Albion in the Community’s (AITC) Speak Up Against Cancer campaign aims to increase local early detection rates of a range of different cancers. In the last 12 months alone, AITC has shared potentially life-saving information with more than 17,000 people.
Saturday’s event will see the Speak Up Against Cancer team discuss cervical screening with anyone who would like to find out more about the process, or talk about any worries they may have surrounding it.
The team would particularly like to speak to anyone who has missed their most recent screening appointment. There is also the opportunity for people to have a cervical screening appointment on the day.
There will be free refreshments, Lush cosmetics giveaways, and advice on menopause, HRT and sexual health.
For more information on Speak Up Against Cancer, which is commissioned by Brighton & Hove City Council Public Health and NHS Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group, call: 01273 878261 or email: speakup@bhafcfoundation.org.uk.