Around 1,000 women die every year from cervical cancer in the UK.

“Smear tests prevent 75% of cervical cancers so it is a big worry that so many young women, those who are most at risk of the disease, are unaware of the importance of attending,” said Robert Music, the chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

“It is of further concern that body worries are contributing to non-attendance.

“Please don’t let unhappiness or uncertainty about your body stop you from attending what could be a life-saving test.

“Nurses are professionals who carry out millions of tests every year, they can play a big part in ensuring women are comfortable.”

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35, and yet a third (37%) of women don’t think you can reduce your risk of the disease.

“Nurses who take smears see hundreds of women but should never forget that the procedure may be embarrassing for some women,” explained Jilly Goodfellow, senior sister and nurse practitioner for colposcopy and gynaecology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust.

“We know that if a woman does not have an acceptable experience this may put her off having smears in the future and the biggest risk of developing cervical cancer is not having a smear.

“The nurse’s focus is to make women feel welcome, comfortable and ensuring their dignity is maintained, while obtaining a good sample. We do this by talking to the woman while she is fully dressed so she is aware of what is going to happen, reasons for the smear, when she will receive the result and what it will mean.

“A chaperone is always offered and if they would like a friend or partner with them this is fine too. The majority of sample takers are female nurses who fully understand what it is like to expose the most intimate part of their body to a complete stranger.”

Around 220,000 UK women are diagnosed with cervical abnormalities each year.

The charity has released this new data in line with Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (from 22-28 January) with the campaign #SmearForSmear.

Images: iStock

Young women are avoiding smear tests over fears their vaginas aren’t “normal”