20 June 2023
Women and people with a cervix who are aged between 25 and 64 are encouraged to book their
screenings this Cervical Screening Awareness Week.
Women and people with a cervix are reminded that they need to opt-in to the free programme
when they turn 25 by contacting their GP or Le Bas Centre.
Screenings should be attended regularly, every three years for those aged 25-49, and every five
years for those aged 50-64, as HPV can lie dormant for many years.
Cervical screening detects Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a viral infection passed between people
through skin-to-skin and sexual contact which is the main cause of cervical cancer. If HPV is
detected the screening sample will then be checked for any underlying abnormalities of the cervical
cells.
Deputy Director of Public Health, Grace Norman, said: “Attending screenings is important as they
can save your life. The test is vital in detecting the first signs of cervical disease which means
treatment can be given early. It is vital that women and people with a cervix attend their screenings
regularly as the majority of people may not realise they have HPV or are at risk of cancer.
“Most cases can be treated if caught early so I encourage everyone who is eligible for this vital test
to book their appointments with their GP or by calling Le Bas Centre.”
To book a free cervical screening test, Islanders should call their GP or Le Bas Centre on
01534 443781.
gov.je