Is Your Cervical Screening Overdue?

That’s the big question we’re asking this week.

It’s Cervical Screening Awareness Week, and GP practices across Gosforth and Jesmond are spreading the word about this important, life-saving test.

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening is a quick test that checks for HPV (human papillomavirus) – a common virus that causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

By finding HPV early, we can stop abnormal cells from developing into cancer. And it works. Around 99.8% of cervical cancer cases could be prevented through screening.

It’s important to remember that screening is for people who are generally well and have no symptoms. If you’re experiencing unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, or pain in your lower tummy or during sex, don’t wait for your next screening. Speak to your GP straight away.

Why does it matter?

Every year, around 3,200 people in the UK are diagnosed with cervical cancer – and over 850 lives are lost. That’s more than two people a day.

Many of these lives could be saved with regular screening. But uptake is low, especially in people aged 30 to 40, where the risk is highest. Too many people are missing out.

How does the test work?

Cervical screening starts at age 25, because the risk of cervical cancer is very low before then. If you have a cervix, you’ll be invited to book your first screening before your 25th birthday.

The test itself is done by a female nurse and only takes a few minutes. Using a soft brush, the nurse takes a small sample of cells from your cervix to check for HPV.

If no HPV is found, you don’t need another test for 3–5 years, depending on your age and risk level. If HPV is found, you’ll be invited for further tests. In many cases, changes can be treated early, long before they become serious.

What we’re doing to help

At Gosforth and Jesmond Health, we’re working hard with GP practices to make cervical screening easier, more comfortable and more accessible.

We know it’s normal to feel nervous or unsure. That’s why we’ve created a dedicated page on our website – Cervical Screening Saves Lives – packed with clear information, helpful videos, and answers to your most common questions.

You’ll hear from nurses and patients who’ve been through it, sharing honest stories about what the test is like, what helped them, and why they’d encourage others to go.

We’ve also listened to over 600 local patients to understand the real barriers people face – from fear and embarrassment to not feeling the test is relevant. We’ve used that feedback to create new, inclusive resources for everyone, including LGBTQ+ patients and those who’ve delayed screening.

Our latest campaign is our biggest yet, with new displays in GP practices and fresh materials to help more people understand and book their screening. And this is where you come in.

What can I do during Cervical Screening Awareness Week?

There are lots of simple ways you can help:

• Book your screening – If you’re due, don’t put it off. Booking your appointment is the most important step you can take.
• Ask questions – Speak to your nurse or GP if you’re unsure or worried. No question is too small.
• Start the conversation – Talking openly helps break the stigma. Share the facts and encourage friends or family to book.
• Share the truth – Use our easy myth buster tools to send reassuring, fact-based information to someone you care about.

If you’re near Tesco in Kingston Park on Tuesday or Wednesday, pop by and say hello to the GJH team at our stall outside Starbucks.

We’ll be giving out pens, postcards and stickers to help spread the message—and we’d love to chat.

Know a café, gym, bar, or community space where we could reach more people?

Let us know! We’ve got posters and materials you can display to support the campaign.

Together, we can make sure more people understand cervical screening and feel confident to attend. It could save a life.