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The latest NHS data from yesterday showed that the percentage of eligible women who were up to date with screening increased slightly in 2019-20, to 72.2%. But the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has warned that the picture will now have changed due to the crisis.
Research from the charity showed that people at greatest risk of developing severe Covid-19 and those from ethnic black, Asian and minority communities were less likely to participate in screening during the pandemic.
Chief Executive Robert Music said, “In a ‘normal’ year an increase in attendance could be a glimmer of hope.
“However, this year must come with a dose of reality as these numbers represent the situation before the pandemic.
“It’s hard to say what the picture is now, but we have new challenges to address due to Covid-19 which include disruptions to services and public uncertainty about participation at the moment.”
Approximately 4.63 million women between the ages of 25 and 64 were invited for screening in the 12 months to March 2020, a five percent increase from the previous year.
However, the number actually tested dropped 6.8% to 3.2 million.
Overall, 72.2% of eligible women were up to date, up from 71.9% previously.
Coverage had increased in all regions but varied widely, from 49.8% in Kensington and Chelsea (London) to 80.2% in Rutland (East Midlands).
Mr. Music said: “What these new data show is that there is a clear need for a systemic change in the cervical screening program to see a greater impact on absorption.
“There have long been widespread inequalities in access to screening. We are concerned that not only does the pandemic mean that it has not been addressed but has instead been expanded. “
Mr. Music added: “For those who had a hard time participating before the pandemic, such as people with physical disabilities, the blockages only made testing more difficult and specialized clinics for survivors of sexual violence had to close.
“Our NHS faces the huge challenge this winter of providing the Covid-19 vaccination program while maintaining vital services such as cancer.
“Cervical screening remains the best protection against cervical cancer and it is essential that the UK government protect the cervical screening program, during the pandemic and beyond.
“Nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK every day and if we don’t protect cervical screening, we will see this number increase.”
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