Carla Lockhart said:

“Like all cancers, cervical cancer is most easily treated if it is found early. That is why it is so important that women attend their regular smear tests. It is so tempting to cancel, or reschedule an appointment, but the importance of screening cannot be stressed strongly enough.

We also need to be constantly raising awareness of the symptoms that could indicate cervical cancer. Symptoms of cervical cancer include: 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, or pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please bring this to the attention of your GP.

Of course our ultimate goal must be to end cervical cancer in the UK. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. Every day in the UK there are 9 new diagnoses and 2 women will lose their lives. In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a global call for action to eliminate cervical cancer. For the first time ever, the world has committed to eliminating a cancer. Screening and awareness is vital if we are to achieve this, as is ongoing investment in treatment and research. I join with other campaigners in urging Government to increase funding in this regard, to help save women’s lives.”