Women miss smear tests because they can’t see GP

THE number of women missing checks for cervical cancer has risen by 11 per cent in five years because of the difficulty of seeing a GP.

NHS figures show that as many as 3.7million patients may now be overdue for the test, up by 377,829 on 2009/10.

Campaigners said the lack of GP appointments in evenings and weekends were acting as a barrier for working women.

The UK has around 3,000 new cases a year of cervical cancer, which most commonly affects women aged 25 to 50.

As there are often no symptoms early on, illness is only detected in the advanced stages when it is very difficult to treat.

There were 919 deaths in 2012, the latest available figures, and many other women had to undergo chemotherapy that left them infertile. The smear tests, which are credited with saving 5,000 lives a year, pick up abnormal changes to cells before they turn cancerous. All women aged 25 to 49 are invited to have the checks at their GP every three years, while those aged 50 to 64 can attend every five years.

But the test can be unpleasant and many are inclined to put it off, particularly when it is difficult to get an appointment.

Liz Kendall of the Labour Party said: ‘It is vital to increase public awareness and make it easier for women to book their tests, including outside normal working hours.

‘It can be tough getting to your surgery if you are working, commuting or have to pick your children up after school.’

Robert Music, of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said more investment was needed in targeted prevention campaigns.