Recognising that it is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Nickie Aiken, MP for the Cities of London & Westminster raised the importance of screening in the House of Commons with the Leader of the House, Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP.
Nickie Aiken said
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.
As smear tests are the best protection against cervical cancer, the charity, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, is using this week to highlight the importance for all women of all ages for keeping up to date with their screening with its Smear for Smear campaign.
With our outstanding NHS, GP and sexual health clinics remaining open even during this pandemic, will my Right Honourable Friend join me in congratulating Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust on their important campaign and urge women across the country to keep up to date with their cervical screening and both men and women on their screening per se and make sure they speak to their GP if they have any health concerns.
The Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Leader of the House of Commons replied:
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. This is has been a worrying time for women who've had to wait longer than expected for their screening appointment.
As ever, if people are worried about cervical cancer or notice any unusual symptoms, be they men or women, any unusual symptoms, they should contact their GP as soon as possible.
The national guidance for cervical screening is clear. That as far as possible, these services should continue to be offered to anyone due to have one.
I also know that many are worried about whether it is safe to attend their screening appointment. Many precautionary measures have been put in place and everyone receiving an invitation for an appointment should attend.
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust has been doing very good work to help communicate this and our own Help Us Help You campaign has been running all winter.
You can also watch Nickie ask her question and the Leader of the House’s response above.
