Put your health before embarrassment or fear and attend your smear test appointment, a hospital team says.

Cervical cancer screening rates in our area are higher than the national average, thanks to Hull’s #smearnotfear team from Hull Women and Children’s Hospital.

Around 72pc of women, trans men and non-binary people in the 25 to 49 age group and almost 77pc aged between 50 to 64 attended their smear test appointments last year compared to 67.5pc and 74.9pc nationally.

Now, to mark Cervical Screening Awareness Week, the Colposcopy Team at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital, says everyone who receives an appointment should attend every three or five years, depending on their age.

Nurse Colposcopist Sarah Bolton

Nurse Colposcopist Sarah Bolton, who leads the #smearnotfear team, said: “Smear tests are a highly-effective way of checking for HPV, which causes abnormal cells to develop in the cervix.

“If you don’t come for your smear test, it can be really dangerous because if HPV is left untreated, these cells can turn into cervical cancer over time.

“You might be a woman who feels embarrassed or worried if you’ve never been for a smear test or you have missed some appointments. You might be a trans man or non-binary and have different worries or concerns.

“But be assured that those of us carrying out smear tests are not here to judge anyone. We’re here to help and you can chat to your health professional if you’re concerned before your appointment.”

The #smearnotfear campaign was launched by the team in 2017 and they hold events, often in their own time, to raise awareness including lighting up the hospital in teal, the colour associated with cervical cancer awareness, and attending major events including Hull Pride, Hull Freedom Festival, rugby matches and sporting events.

Smear tests are normally carried out by a female GP or nurse practitioner in your local surgery. You can request a chaperone to stay with you while you have the test, which takes less than five minutes.

Colposcopy Room at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital

Here’s what happens

• Once you’re in the room where the test will be carried out, you’ll undress from the waist down, lie down on a bed and be given a sheet to pull over you with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart
• A smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) will be placed gently into your vagina and a small amount of lubricant may be used
• The speculum will be opened so the health professional can see your cervix and a soft brush will be used to take cells from your cervix
• The speculum will be removed and you’ll be left to get dressed

Sarah said: “Ten minutes is all it takes from beginning to end but it could mean the difference between life and death. Staff are here to help you so there’s nothing to fear.”