Southend-on-Sea City Council's Public Health Team is urging young people aged 12 to 25 to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to protect against cervical cancer.
Each year, more than 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK. This type of cancer can affect people at any age.
Therefore, young people aged 12 to 25 are urged to take up the HPV vaccination, which provides significant protection against the HPV, a major cause of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine has dramatically reduced cervical cancer rates by almost 90% in women in their 20s who were offered it at ages 12 to 13. The vaccination's effectiveness drops from 90% at ages 12 to 13 to just 34% at ages 16 to 18.
The HPV vaccine administered early has dramatically reduced cervical cancer rates. Therefore, we strongly encourage parents to consent to their Year 8/9 young persons vaccination at school.
Additionally, women are encouraged to attend their cervical screening, or smear test appointment as it is one of the best ways to check the health of the cervix and provide protection from cervical cancer. The test checks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Cervical cell changes are common and often improve naturally, but sometimes these changes need treatment because there is a risk they may develop into cancer.
Women registered with their GP practice are invited for routine screening every three years if they are aged 25-49 and every five years if they are aged 50-64. Women aged 65 or over who have never had a cervical screening test will need to request an appointment from their GP.
Talk to your GP or practice nurse and get the symptoms checked if you experience them, such as unexpected vaginal bleeding, odour and pain between periods. These symptoms can be embarrassing, but your GP or practice nurse will understand. The earlier cervical cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
Cllr Maxine Sadza, cabinet member for social care and healthier communities, said: "I urge parents to encourage their young people to accept this potentially lifesaving vaccine. Also, for every woman aged 25 to 64 to book their cervical screening. They are both such simple step that can save your life.
"Cervical cancer can be prevented with HPV vaccinations and regular screenings. I understand it can be uncomfortable, but it's better than the alternative. Early detection is key, and your GP and practice nurse are there to help, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns.
"Let's support each other and make sure every woman and girls over 12 in Southend-on-Sea gets this life-saving vaccination and test. Your health matters."
Dr Liz Towers, local GP and clinical lead for cancer at NHS Mid and South Essex, said: "Some women are nervous or embarrassed about having a smear test and put off having it done. While it's not the most enjoyable experience most women say it wasn't as bad as expected and were glad they did it. Cervical screening is one of the most important things women can do to protect themselves from the risk of cervical cancer. Screening can stop cancer before it starts and saves thousands of lives every year.
"The tests are usually done at your GP surgery by female nurses who are trained to make women feel more comfortable and talk them through the process. I cannot stress how important it is not to ignore your screening letter - it's a five-minute test that could be lifesaving."
For more information on cervical cancer visit our women's health pages.