Women in the Highlands are being urged to go for a smear test.
Heather Crockett, a local practice nurse, has backed the message of a national awareness campaign as she encouraged women not to ignore their invite as a smear test can stop cervical cancer before it starts.
Recent statistics highlight that 73.5 per cent of eligible women in the NHS Highland area have taken up the offer.
By highlighting its benefits, the hope is that more women will take part in the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme, and more lives will be saved.
A smear test checks the cells of a woman’s cervix – the neck of the womb – and is designed to pick up any changes so that they can be monitored or treated. Without treatment the changes can sometimes develop into cervical cancer.
Six women in Scotland are diagnosed with cervical cancer every week – but they are nine times more likely to survive when it’s found at an early stage compared to a late stage.
Ms Crockett said: “The message we want to get across this Cervical Screening Awareness Week is that that we’re here waiting to help protect you from cervical cancer.
“I’ve done hundreds, if not thousands, of smear tests during my career and afterwards, most women – especially those that it’s their first time – are surprised by how quickly it’s all over.
“Of course, it can be a nervous time for some women but, remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question, that’s what we’re here for.
“So, don’t ignore your invite when it pops through your letterbox, or forget about it completely, it could save your life.”
