AS the first anniversary of the death of Eastham teenager Sophie Jones approaches, women across Wirral are being urged to take up the offer of a life-saving test which could help detect the most common cancer in women under 35.

Nineteen-year-old Sophie lost her life to cervical cancer last March.

The South Wirral High School student was diagnosed with the disease in November 2013, after medical professionals told the aspiring model she was too young to have contracted it, putting her severe stomach pains down to Crohn’s disease.

It was only when she was admitted to hospital when her condition worsened, that doctors discovered Sophie’s cancer had already spread.

While Sophie was not offered a smear test due to her age, Wirral health professionals are this week encouraging other women who are eligible to take up the offer of a test, as well as being aware of the potential signs of cervical cancer – which kills three women a day in the UK.

Early detection is vital to improving survival rates, so raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer and ways to prevent it, is key.

Cervical Cancer Prevention week runs until January 31 and is led by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, a UK charity offering support and information to women of all ages and their family affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities.

All women between the ages of 25 and 64 are eligible for a free cervical screening test every three to five years and the NHS call and recall system invites them for their screening appointment.

Wirral GP, Dr Pete Naylor, acting chair of Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group, urged women to accept their screening appointment invitation:

“Cervical screening is clearly a highly important screening programme.

“We are aware locally of late presentation of cancers leading to poor outcomes.

“This is an opportunity to identify precancerous changes and support and treat at this early stage. This can save lives. I absolutely urge women to take up this offer.”

For younger women the HPV vaccination can help prevent 75% of cervical cancers.

 

Symptoms of cervical cancer

  • Abnormal bleeding after or during sexual intercourse, or between periods.
  • Discomfort or pain during sex
  • Lower back pain
  • Unusual or unpleasant vaginal discharge
  • Post menopausal bleeding if you are not on HRT and have stopped it for six weeks.

For more information, visit jostrust.org.uk