Women in North Lincolnshire are being urged to go for cervical screening – and encourage their friends to attend too.

The warning to keep cervical screening appointments after the end of Cervical Cancer Awareness week, which ran from January 22 until January 28.

Figures from NHS North Lincolnshire show most women in the area do attend their appointments, but a sizeable minority still ignore their invitation letter.

In North Lincolnshire, 81 per cent of eligible women aged between 25 and 64 attended their regular screening appointments – meaning almost one in five did not.

Each year in the UK, 2,800 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed – and more than half of these are in women under the age of 50.

It is the second most common cancer in women under 35, although it is very rare in women under 25.

The potentially life-saving examination for cervical cancer can detect small changes in the cells of the cervix early enough to prevent it developing or to treat the condition more easily.

Marie Hancock, cancer project manager at NHS North Lincolnshire, said: "No-one really relishes the thought of medical tests, but most women here are keen to take control of their own health and attend these routine appointments with their practice nurse.

"However, some women are still nervous and feel a bit embarrassed about cervical screening or the smear, so a bit of encouragement and reassurance from a friend could make all the difference in the world to them."

Cervical screening is offered to women aged between 25 and 64 every three years.

NHS North Lincolnshire has two cancer health trainers, Sarah Ross and Emma Thompson, who are available to offer confidential advice and support about all aspects of cancer screening.

Both trainers say cervical screening is not a test for diagnosing cervical cancer but a test to check the health of the cervix.

Sarah said: "It is very important to go for the screening as the earlier it is detected, the easier it can be treated.

"It is not a difficult test and we are here to support, give advice and book appointments.

"People are always very nervous about the test, but we are here to help."

The health trainers already have 50 people who have signed up for their help.

They are available to accompany women to their appointments.

To continue to support raising awareness for cervical cancer, Emma and Sarah have put together a presentation about screening and the symptoms of cervical cancer.

The presentation is currently on show in the Ironstone Centre, Scunthorpe.

For more information, go to www.northlincolnshire.nhs.uk or www.jostrust.org.uk or call the health trainers on 01724 292170