NHS encouraging more Pendle women to attend smear tests for cervical cancer

Only 52% of 25-50-year-olds and 66% of 51-64-year-olds in Pendle West attend cervical screenings. They are the lowest rates in Lancashire and South Cumbria, and are lower than the national average – 66% and 75% – for these age groups.

National research indicates that only 31% of ethnic minority women attend these appointments. Asian women are more at risk of cervical cancer, but have some of the lowest uptake rates, partly due to cultural and language barriers.

Pendle West Primary Care Network has worked with Pendle West Community Health Champions to make a video promoting the smears, which has been distributed via text message, WhatsApp groups, and social media. Shorter and Urdu versions are being produced.

Dr Nicola Finnigan, a GP at Pendle View Medical Centre, and the PCN’s lead for health inequalities, said: “We know that for many women there are reasons why they don’t attend a cervical screening when invited - from worrying about it being painful to simply not being able to find the time. When you also consider the extra cultural and language barriers that Asian women may face, it is not surprising that uptake is relatively low.”

Cervical cancer is largely preventable through regular check-ups, and the earlier it is detected, the sooner women can be treated, she added.

Lynn Lockett, a PCN community outreach practitioner, said the team has been working to dispel myths about smears.

“Our region has some of the most deprived areas in England, where health inequalities are stark. Combined with cultural barriers, this creates a double disadvantage for BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) women.

“Many Asian women do not speak English fluently, making it harder to understand invitations or medical information, and in some communities, women have to ask permission to attend appointments.

“Concerns about pain, modesty, and being examined by male clinicians are also common. Some women believe that cancer is a matter of fate or punishment, and this reduces their sense of the importance of the smear test in spotting cancer early and preventing it."

This spring, a cervical screening bus is visiting the area to offer drop-in appointments. Find out the dates at: https://lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/cervical-screening-bus