Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Despite this, NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire has reported a decline in those who attend preventative screenings, with women in their 20s and 30s least likely to book an appointment.

That’s why Doctors across the two counties are urging those eligible to book their cervical screening, which can help stop cancer before it starts.

Women and people with a cervix aged 25-64 are eligible for a screening, which checks the health of your cervix, and acts as a preventative measure against cervical cancer. Women under 50 are reminded to make an appointment with their GP every three years. For those aged 50 to 64, it’s every five years. Those registered as male will need to request a booking with their GP, as they will not be automatically invited to make an appointment

Anyone who qualifies for a test, but missed their last one, should contact their GP, and not wait for their next invite. Recent figures show that around a third fail to attend their cervical screenings. This puts people at greater risk of cancer.

Two women die every day from cervical cancer in England. Yet it is one of the most preventable cancers and getting screened can help stop it before it starts. It has been estimated that in England, screenings prevent 70% of cervical cancer deaths, and that if everyone attended screening regularly, that number would be up to 83%.

Dr Louise Bramble, GP and Women’s Health Lead for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “For most people, cervical screening tests are not painful. But if you are worried that you may find the test uncomfortable, remember you are in control and can ask your clinician to stop at any time. Cervical screening takes only a few minutes but can save your life. Don’t delay in contacting your GP surgery to book your screening if you are eligible.”

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer can affect anyone who has ovaries, and can mostly affect women over the age of 50. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are not always obvious, so it’s important to spot the signs early and get checked by your GP if you’re concerned.

The most common symptoms are:

  • A swollen tummy or feeling bloated

  • Pain in your stomach

  • A lack of appetite or feeling full quickly

  • Needing to pee more often than usual

If you’re suffering from any symptoms of ovarian cancer, it’s vital that you contact your GP so you can be screened and checked for any signs of cancer, and receive appropriate treatment.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK. Anyone can get breast cancer, so it’s important to be screened often to make sure you’re not being affected.

How serious breast cancer is depends on how big the cancer is, how much it has spread and your general health. The earlier breast cancer is caught, the quicker and easier it can be treated.

You may have been invited to attend a routine breast screening appointment in the West Midlands - your feedback on this appointment will help inform and support the improvements on NHS Breast Screening services. To complete the feedback form, scan the QR code opposite or click the button below.