17/11/2025
NHS Dumfries and Galloway is urging the 8500 women in the region overdue with cervical screening to book a smear test as it launches a campaign coinciding with World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day on 17 November.
This 8500 figure means that 1 in 5 of those women eligible to be screened for cervical cancer are not up to date with what could be a lifesaving test.
The campaign by NHS Dumfries and Galloway – Help Us Help You Get Screened - is aimed at all women aged 25 to 64 eligible for screening.
There is a particular focus on women in certain age groups that health intelligence and data nationally and locally shows as not taking up the opportunity to book their smear test, those who are under the age of 35, and over the age of 55.
There is also a focus on women who are vulnerable or disadvantaged, as many typically are not getting screened if they have no support, or the right support, to arrange booking a smear test and attending the appointment.
Current estimates indicate that every year 3791 women in the UK are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 1121 die from the disease. 293 women from Scotland were diagnosed with cervical cancer in the most recent reporting period October 2022 to September 2023.
Cervical cancer is the first cancer recognised by the World Health Organisation as possible to eliminate, with cervical screening for women aged 25 to 64, and the HPV vaccination for girls and boys of school age, key to prevention.
Dr Heather Currie, Locum Consultant Gynaecologist at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said: “We know that a future free of cervical cancer is possible; provided all eligible women are screened, and all school age girls and boys get the HPV vaccination.
“We have set up a dedicated group at NHS Dumfries and Galloway to address this issue of increasing rates of women not taking up cervical screening. We are working on an ambitious plan to see those numbers of women overdue with cervical screening fall, and for those who are up to date to continue booking their smear test at the regular interval, when notified by the screening service.
“Whilst we know that it is possible to eliminate cervical cancer, until women get screened with a regular smear test, and until all school age girls and boys get the HPV vaccination, there will still be women diagnosed with cervical cancer. Having a smear test at the recommended regular intervals results in early diagnosis and allows for the best possible treatment options.”
Dr Fiona O’Brien, GP Annan North Practice/GP Lead for Cancer in Dumfries and Galloway, said: “As we launch this campaign a key message is to let women know to contact their practice with any queries, concerns or difficulties they may have in relation to having a smear test. It’s really important women know that practice staff are here to help.
“The rise in the number of women in the region not attending for smears is concerning - from 15 to 20 percent of the eligible population. This is a test that can prevent the distress that comes with a diagnosis of cervical cancer. This is a test that saves lives.”
Chris Allan, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said: “The Screening Team at NHS Dumfries and Galloway working closely with GP practices, and with input from other professionals, has been invaluable in bringing to light the increasing rise in women not taking up screening, why this may be happening, and looking at what can be done to bring that figure down year on year.”
Help Us Help You Get Screened campaign posters will be on display in GP practices and websites for the launch on the 17 November and in the months ahead, as well as on NHS and DGHSCP and partner organisations communications platforms and channels.
Photo:
Dr Fiona O'Brien, GP, and Stephanie Parnell, Practice Manager, launching the campaign at Annan North Practice.
