Don't Ignore Smear Tests - Older Women Warned

Women over 50 are often failing to attend their smear tests on time, increasing the risk of cervical cancer not being spotted until too late.

Part of the reason is a thought to be a lack of understanding about the human papilloma virus (HPV) which causes the disease.

It is passed on through sexual activity but can lie dormant for up to 20 years.

Wendy Fletcher thought her pelvic pain and increased weight was due to the menopause but, after going for an overdue smear and then further tests, it became clear that in fact she had cancer.

"It was like having the rug pulled… there was no way I expected to hear that," she said.

"When we discovered it was too big for an operation, straight away I thought, I should've gone, why didn't I go?"

Eight women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and three will die from the disease in the UK each day.

In 2012, 71% of those deaths in England were in women aged 50 or over.

But since 2003, the number of 50 to 55-year-old women going for their tests on time has dropped by 7%.

Screening is offered to all women aged from 25 to 64 on the NHS.

Research by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust has shown nearly two thirds of women aged 50 to 64 are unaware of the link between HPV and the illness.

Chief executive Robert Music said: "Responses from women questioned in our research were worrying with some citing they had been 'celibate' for several years and therefore did not consider themselves to be at risk.

"Whilst it is the most common cancer in women under 35, it still affects women of all ages and we are particularly concerned that if women delay their screening over the age of 50, they increase their chances of not only a diagnosis after they have left the programme, but a later stage diagnosis with a poorer outlook."

Many women find the experience of cervical screening unpleasant and more than half of those who delayed it said they would prefer to carry out a test themselves at home.

Now the charity would like to see investment in research to explore its feasibility.

Wendy has had extensive treatment including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and it is going well. She has a further scan next month.

"To anyone who's putting it off, a smear is a walk in the park compared to what I went through," she said.

"I'd have a smear every day if it meant not going through that. Just don't put it off, don't."