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15,000 young women are overdue cervical screening
There are 15,000 young women in Sheffield currently overdue their cervical screening test after ignoring letters from the NHS reminding them an appointment is due.
The women, aged between 25 and 49, are being urged to book in for a test which can detect abnormalities or changes that can lead to cervical cancer.
Over the past five years screening among women aged 25 to 29 has gone from around 75 per cent to 68 per cent in Sheffield.
Healthcare professionals are particularly concerned about this age group because it includes the first screening a woman has, and helps to establish it as part of their routine healthcare.
Cervical screening is offered to women every three years between the ages of 25 and 49, and every five years between 50 and 64.
After its introduction in the late 1980s, deaths from cervical cancer fell sharply. Early detection and treatment can prevent cancer developing in about 75 per cent of cases and cervical screening is still one of the best defences against cervical cancer. Many women who develop cervical cancer have never been screened.
Dr Jeremy Wight, director of Public Health at NHS Sheffield, said it was important for women to attend whether they are sexually active or not.
He added: "A screening test is quick, free and confidential and can be undertaken at your local GP practice or at the Central Health Clinic in Sheffield city centre. The test can be done by a female doctor or nurse and really does save lives."
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