Did you know that every year in the UK, 1 in 4 women and people with a cervix don’t attend their cervical screening (smear test) appointments when they are invited? While there are many reasons it can be a difficult test, we know that getting an appointment to fit around your working day can be a huge challenge. We want to change that.
Cervical screening might not be something you look forward to, but it is a test that saves thousands of lives every year. That’s why we’re proud to have signed up to be a Time to Test employer, and commit to ensuring all our staff have the time to test. Our employee’s health is important and we want to provide the support to attend this appointment which can prevent cervical cancer.
At MCG, we have always supported all employees by promoting a flexible approach when it comes to attending medical appointments, so by being involved in the Time to Test campaign we're also hoping to raise awareness of cervical cancer and prevention. In 2020, an estimated 604,237 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer globally, representing 6.5% of all female cancers.
Time to Test is a campaign run by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity. They provide valuable, trustworthy information and support for anyone who has questions or wants to talk about any aspect of cervical screening and results, and are there for anyone with a cell changes or cervical cancer diagnosis.
If you’d like more information about cervical screening:
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s support services - ask questions, speak to someone who understands: https://www.jostrust.org.uk/get-support
Tips for making a cervical screening appointment better and more comfortable available here.
What is a smear test? Read information here
