A NEW NHS campaign has been launched to encourage women aged 25-34 across the Kirklees district to attend a smear test.

The take-up of cervical screening in women aged 25-34 years old in Kirklees has declined in recent years and this decline has been particularly sharp in those aged between 25-29.

Dr Mercy Vergis, consultant in public health for NHS Kirklees, said:

“It is vitally important that you attend an appointment when you receive one.”

Having a smear test takes just a few minutes.

Women have the choice of a female doctor or nurse, and they can also bring a friend for support if they wish.

Two years ago Ewa, 44, of Waterloo, Huddersfield, was called for her routine cervical screening by her GP.

She went for her smear test – as she’d done every three years – with no concerns about the results.

Unexpectedly, the smear test detected a particularly aggressive form of cancer and Ewa needed a radical hysterectomy to get rid of it.

She said: “If I hadn’t gone for mine, I probably wouldn’t be here now.

“It’s definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made and I don’t understand why women just don’t bother.

“Just do it – it’s not painful, maybe mildly embarrassing, but that’s no excuse for passing up the opportunity to have a test that could save your life.”