Thousands of women failing to protect themselves against cervical cancer

The latest data shows around 39,000 women eligible for cervical screening in the county do not attend routine smear tests every three years.

But they are being encouraged to make an appointment for the quick and simple procedure that can help prevent cervical cancer.

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Now, during national cervical screening awareness week, experts are warning rates of screening are falling, rather than improving over time, with one in four women not having regular smear tests.

Colin Cox, Cumbria's director of public health, said: "Cervical screening is a really important way of catching cancer early, yet recent national figures have shown a decrease in the proportion of women attending screening.

"Not attending a screening appointment could mean that warning signs are missed, reducing the chance of successful treatment."

Nationally, one in four women do not attend smear tests despite it helping to prevent 75 per cent of cases of cervical cancer - the most common form of the disease in women under 35.

Screening rates in Barrow are in line with the national average of around 73.5 per cent of those aged between 25 and 64.

However, this is the lowest rate in Cumbria - a county which sees an average of 77 per cent of women attending appointments.

Screening in Copeland is at 76 per cent while in South Lakeland it is at 77 per cent, though these areas have the highest death rate from the disease in Cumbria.

It is recommended that all eligible women aged between 25 and 64 should have a smear test every three years which can detect early changes that could develop into cervical cancer over time.

The test itself is quick and painless, while treatment for the small number of women found to have pre-cancerous changes is arranged as an outpatient procedure.

Mr Cox added: "Women should ensure they are registered with a GP, once registered their GP will make sure they receive invitations to be screened at the appropriate times.

"If you are unsure, there’s a wealth of information online to help people find out how screening works and what to expect."

He went on: "This is one of things people really should find time to do, it could save their life."

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Cervical cancer: The facts

:: Cervical cancer is the most common form of the disease in women under 35.

:: Two women die across the UK every day from cervical cancer.

:: The disease rarely has any symptoms, though any abnormal bleeding should be checked by a doctor.

:: Screening – having a smear test every three years, or every five years for women aged 50 to 64 – prevents 75 per cent of cases from developing.

:: The test is carried out at a GP surgery and involves collecting cells from the cervix to identify any changes to them.

:: Nationally, five million women are invited to attend an appointment every year – but a quarter do not make an appointment.

:: 90 to 94 per cent of smear tests results are found to be normal, but even irregular results rarely mean cancer.

:: 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and go on to receive treatment for it.