Women encouraged to attend cervical screenings

Staywell Clinic conducts about 14% of smear tests on Island

Women on the Island are being urged to attend their cervical screenings. 

The plea is being made by the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association.

Most women get their first invitation for the screening around the time they turn 25.

Executive Officer Sandy Denning told Manx Radio about 14 percent of screenings are done by the Staywell Clinic which is situated at Noble's Hospital.

This year the clinic turns 60 - it was setup to provide an alternative venue for those wishing to attend screenings at an alternative venue than their GP clinic.

She says they are important because they can detect any abnormalities or potential cancer cells:

Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

• The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding
• This may be between periods, or during or after sex, or new bleeding in women who have gone through the menopause.
• Occasionally, other symptoms include discomfort during sex or an unpleasant vaginal discharge
• If something does not seem right for your body and you are concerned about any possible symptoms, as we say every time on this feature, please don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about this – early diagnosis is key to successful treatment.

Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is more common if you:

• Smoke
• First had sex at an early age
• Have had several sexual partners or have had a sexual partner who has had several other partners
• Take immunosuppressant drugs (for example, after an organ transplant)

To make an appointment with the Staywell Clinic call 642638 on Monday and Thursday between the hours of 9am and 2pm.