Graham Simpson MSP was delighted to meet with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust for its ‘Be Cervix Savvy Roadshow’.
Mr Simpson visited the charity as part of his efforts to help raise awareness about the importance of cervical screening.
Over 3,000 women in the UK are diagnosed each year and this includes 388 women in Scotland, the highest figure for 18 years.
The MSP said “Talking with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has provided me with the opportunity to see first-hand the conversations with the public about the importance of cervical screening, the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, and the HPV jag. Screening should be more accessible with appointments at GP practices and availability through sexual health services. The Scottish Government should lead the way in improving accessibility, whilst engaging with deprived communities through targeted awareness campaigns and outreach.
“Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. However, currently Lanarkshire has a cervical screening uptake of 74.5%, meaning that one in four women do not attend their appointment of this potentially life-saving test. More must be done to ensure that all women in Lanarkshire, and across Scotland, have the opportunity to access vital health services.
“I would like to thank Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust for all the work they do to raise awareness about this terrible disease. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to women, their families and friends affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. I wish them all the best in the future and I hope to be invited back to see how they are progressing”.