‘Get yourself checked’ say health bosses in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

‘Get yourself checked’ is the message from GPs, Clinical Pharmacists and healthcare professionals across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin this Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Week.

To mark the week in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (Monday 20 to Friday 24 June 2022), patients and members of the public are being encouraged to schedule regular screening check-ups with their GP practice to help catch the early signs of cancer.

‘Get yourself checked’ is about cervical screening (a smear test), tying into the national campaign, but will also focus on bowel and breast screening checks too. The week aims to raise awareness of the importance of regular screenings and help to banish any concerns that people might have about getting themselves checked over.

To spread the message, two pop-up events are taking place on Wednesday 22 June at Anstice Park in Telford and Thursday 23 June at Tesco Extra in Harlescott, Shrewsbury, from 10am until 4pm.

GPs, cancer specialists and healthcare professionals will be available to offer informal advice and guidance on how to book a screening, what to expect, as well as the opportunity to have a blood pressure check.

Dr Jess Harvey, GP and Clinical Lead for South East Shropshire, said: “I cannot stress enough the importance of regular screening checks and how these help in the early detection of cancer. According to national statistics, UK screening programmes for cervical, bowel and breast cancer save an estimated 9,000 lives a year. Screening saves lives, it really is as simple as that.

“The decision to pull together our own local screening campaign came about to spread this very important message and to help people overcome any hesitancy they may have about attending a screening.

“There really is absolutely nothing to worry about when attending a screening appointment – your GP or healthcare professional is only concerned in checking your overall health and picking up on any signs that might need further investigation.

“If we check ourselves regularly, we stand a better chance of catching illnesses quicker and making full recoveries.

“Health checks are available, free of charge, to help detect cervical cancer, bowel cancer and breast cancer, and I’d encourage everyone to take them up. Please book an appointment when you receive your invite. If you’ve missed an appointment or have not taken up a screening invite, please speak with your GP practice today.”