Ayrshire women urged to attend smear test appointments
The call follows data which shows a decline in the uptake of smear tests in the region
Women in Ayrshire are being urged to take up their smear test when they’re invited.
Sharon Dowey MSP is encouraged women to book in for their cervical screening after recent data revealed that the percentage of females aged 25-64 in Ayrshire and Arran who attended a smear test appointment has been gradually declining.
Figures flagged there has been a drop from 74.3 per cent in 2017/18 to 71.3 per cent in 2021/22.
Ms Dowey says more has to be done to improve the number of people receiving a smear test in Ayrshire.
She said: “In the UK, two people die from cervical cancer every day. That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to attend their screening appointment when they’re invited – even if they think everything is fine.
“With the percentage of people attending a smear test appointment gradually declining in Ayrshire and Arran, from around 74 per cent to 71 per cent between 2017/18 and 2021/22, I’m really keen to see these numbers improve next year and get more women attending their appointments.
“It’s also really worrying to see that those living in the most deprived areas are far less likely to attend their appointment than those living in the least deprived areas.
“Your postcode shouldn’t have any influence on attending these vital health checks. That’s why I’ll be asking the Scottish Government what more they can do to improve the number of women attending their smear test, particularly those in the most deprived areas.”
