NHS makes cancer screenings plea to save lives as 'millions of appointments missed'

The NHS is calling on those eligible for screening to take up the offer for early detection of a potentially fatal cancer, which can often go unnoticed as its symptoms are sometimes attributed to something else. In a public message, health officials urge individuals not to skip their cervical screenings—vital checks that can expose "high risk" cells within the cervix before they turn cancerous.

According to data around 4.6 million eligible people did not take up their latest test. "Cervical screening saves thousands of lives every year," asserted the NHS in a post made it X. It further stated: "If you missed, or did not book, your cervical screening appointment, you can contact your GP surgery or local sexual health clinic to book now."

Women and individuals with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are entitled to this check-up, receiving invites for the test every three to five years based on age and location.

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According to NHS England, the screening programme is responsible for saving approximately 5,000 lives annually. Nonetheless, the 2023 data reveals a startling statistic: nearly one-third of those eligible around 4.6 million people, bypassed their most recent invitation to screen.

The screening service, coupled with the introduction of the HPV vaccine, is believed to have significantly curbed the disease's impact in Britain. Cancer Research UK has documented a decline in cervical cancer incidence rates by roughly 24 percent since the 1990s.

GP and NHS England’s deputy medical director for primary care, Doctor Kiren Collison, highlighted significant strides in the fight against cervical cancer, stating: "We have made great progress on our Cervical Screening Programme and the combined effects of the HPV vaccine and the new, more sensitive way of screening for cervical cancer means that we have the opportunity to eliminate cervical cancer altogether."

She emphasised the importance of screening, urging: "Having the potential to completely eradicate a disease that affects thousands of people every year is remarkable, but in order to do this, it is vital that people take up the offer of a test – so if you have received an invitation, or missed your last screening, don’t wait to make an appointment, put your health first and book an appointment with your GP practice or sexual health clinic today – getting checked can save your life."

Cervical cancer, which can occur at any age but is most prevalent among women aged 30 to 35, is primarily caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections—the very kind targeted by the screening process.

The NHS lists the most common symptoms of cervical cancer as:

• Vaginal bleeding that's unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual

• Changes to your vaginal discharge

• Pain during sex

• Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy.

However, these signs could be mistaken for the effects of the menstrual cycle or other conditions like fibroids or endometriosis. The NHS says you should speak to your GP if you notice any symptoms of cervical cancer.