Don’t Put It Off – Islanders urged to take life-saving test

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Karen Wilson together with Public Health and Health and Community Services colleagues is supporting the Government’s “Don’t Put It Off” cervical screening campaign, which encourages people not to delay having their cervical screening test.

The campaign which was launched in late December and will run throughout January. It profiles members of the community to share the importance of opting in for cervical screening and maintaining screening routines. 

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Karen Wilson said: “Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect from cervical cancer. 70% of cervical cancer deaths are prevented due to screening and 83% of deaths could have been prevented if screening had been attended regularly. 

“In Jersey all women and people with a cervix, aged between 25 - 64 have access to free cervical screening either at Le Bas Centre or at their GPs, however you must opt in for screening. 

“I urge all eligible Islanders to not wait until it’s too late, these tests save lives and are something we just must do.” 

Sarah Evans, General Manager for Primary and Preventative Care, Health and Community Services said: “We generally have good uptake in screening in Jersey, but we know that not all eligible Islanders know that they need to opt-in for cervical screening. We also know that some may have additional worries about going for their test. If someone has concerns about having their cervical screening, they can:

• request a woman to do the test – most nurses and doctors who take cervical screening samples are female 
• ask for someone else to be in the room (a chaperone) – this could be someone known to the patient, another nurse or a trained member of staff 
• ask for a longer appointment if to allow for more time – some GPs can offer a double booking 
• request a prescription for vaginal oestrogen cream or pessary before the test should the test have become more difficult after going through the menopause 
• ask for a smaller speculum (a smooth, tube-shaped tool that's put into the vagina so they can see the cervix) 

“Our doctors and nurses are trained to make the experience comfortable and provide support. If you’re aged between 25 and 64 with a cervix, please give yourself the best protection, book your free appointment at your GP or Le Bas Centre today.” 

Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley said: “Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer for those people under the age of 35 with a cervix, although it can occur at any age. Screening identifies Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) infections and the cell changes they cause so treatment can be given before cancer develops. Women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 49 should be screened once every three years and women and those with a cervix aged between 50 and 64 should be screened once every five years. 

“This year our campaign is being supported by local beauty and retail businesses, GPs and community based organisations, who are displaying artwork and promoting the campaign messages. I’m really grateful for this support. The more we can raise awareness of this life-saving service and the more people will get tested and the bigger difference we can make.” 

For further information on cervical screening Islanders can visit gov.je/cervicalscreening