- BBC Breakfast’s Dr Nighat Arif has joined forces with her NHS colleagues to launch a London-wide campaign to address misconceptions around screening and encourage those eligible not to ignore their invite.
- Currently, only 58 per cent of younger Londoners (aged 25 to 49) attend screening with many unclear that it can prevent cervical cancer.
BBC Breakfast’s Dr Nighat Arif is fronting a new cervical screening campaign to encourage younger Londoners to attend an NHS cervical screening appointment when invited.
Cervical screening is offered to women and all people with a cervix, between the ages of 25 to 64, and helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus known as human papillomavirus or HPV.
Although HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, most cases of the virus do not result in a cancer diagnosis. However, there are certain types of the virus that can cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix, which can turn into cancer if left untreated.
The four NHS Cancer Alliances in London are launching the campaign on 20 January, with support from the leading gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal. The NHS Cancer Alliances say that only 58 per cent of 25 to 49-year-olds living in London currently attend screening. The attendance is significantly higher for 50 to 64-year-olds living in London at 70%. (Source: NHS Digital).
A YouGov survey commissioned by The Eve Appeal in 2023 also revealed a lack of understanding about what a cervical screening test is, with only 1 in 3 saying they knew that the test could prevent cervical cancer.
Dr Nighat Arif features in a series of short films discussing the link between sex and cervical cancer and tackling common misconceptions about cervical screening which prevent somebody taking up their invite. Bite-sized versions of the films will also be streamed across social media (Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat) and will be available to listen to via digital radio (Heart London, Capital Radio and LBC) and Spotify and podcast ads from 20 January.
Popular TV doctor Dr Nighat Arif said: “There are lots of reasons why somebody might not want to come forward – many of which are highlighted in our campaign – but it is important to speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure.
“I have seen first-hand through working as a GP in the NHS for over 20 years, how important it is to detect cancer early. Cervical screening is the single most accurate way to detect HPV and very early cell changes in the cervix.
“It is important to understand that HPV can remain undetected for many years before later going on to cause abnormal cells which can lead to cancer, so even if you’ve previously had a negative test, it is vital that you attend your next one.”
Dr Clare Stephens GP, Co-clinical Director, North Central London Cancer Alliance, said: “We understand it can sometimes be difficult to attend a screening appointment for a variety of reasons including work and childcare commitments, anxiety, and misinformation surrounding the test. But these tests are vital; they can prevent cancer.
“It’s fantastic that we’ve joined forces with our neighbouring Cancer Alliances to reach as many Londoners as possible.
“We hope that our campaign will help people feel informed about why attending screening is important and feel empowered to ask for support ahead of and during their appointment.”
Attending screening is the best way of preventing cervical cancer, which is why it’s important that you book an appointment when invited. To find out more about cervical screening and how to book your appointment, visit https://www.cervicalcancerpreventionweek.com/.