A Bolton MP has given her support to a campaign aimed at ending cervical cancer in the UK.
The cancer currently kills two women on average every week across the country, a situation which the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust charity is working hard to change.
The efforts have been boosted by the support of Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi who says she hopes to use her position as shadow minister for women and equalities to encourage more people from lower income and ethnic minority backgrounds to get screened.
Ms Qureshi said: “We have the opportunity to effectively consign a form of cancer to the history books.
"Cervical screening and HPV vaccines can both help prevent cervical cancer, and I would encourage everyone who can to make use of these amazing cancer prevention tools.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust recognises that attending a screening isn’t always easy, but they are there for you with information and support if you ever need them.”
The charity found recently that just 17 per cent of health professionals working across cervical cancer prevention services believe enough is being done to eliminate the disease.
They also found that just 20 per cent think enough is being done to ensure high levels of HPV vaccine uptake, and just 16 per cent believe that enough is being done to support cervical screening uptake.
They hope the support of MPs like Ms Qureshi will help to turn these figures around and make sure people get access to the treatment they need.
Trust chief executive Samantha Dixon said: “A world without cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a pipe dream.
“The UK has the tools to make it a reality which is incredibly exciting.
"We need Government action to get there as soon as possible, but everyone can play their part.
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"Going for cervical screening when invited, and making sure your child is vaccinated against HPV, will help make cervical cancer a thing of the past.
“We must also continue to invest in research, improve access to treatments, and banish the stigma and blame that too often comes with a cervical cancer diagnosis.
“Being forward looking should not mean those living with and beyond cancer get left behind.”
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