CWU supports Cervical Cancer Prevention week
23rd January 2012
CWU members are marking Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22-28 January) by raising awareness of the condition and urging women everywhere to make full use of the screening and treatments available.
The union's national health, safety and environment
officer Dave Joyce said: "This week's
activities are part of a European-wide initiative lead by
European Cervical Cancer Association (ECCA) and our department
will be working with the Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust
(JCCT) charity as we have in previous years.
Between the ages of 25 and 49, women are advised to have a screening every three years, and every five years after 50.
"Cervical cancer is one of the more preventable cancers, and preventative measures are widely available, but, sadly, too many UK women are either unaware or unwilling to participate," Dave continued, adding: "In 2010, for example, one-in-five - 20 per cent - did not take up their invitation for cervical screening, while only 50 per cent of girls offered the HPV vaccine in the catch-up programme have elected to have this potentially life-saving jab.
"Raising public awareness is more necessary
than ever and this is exactly where Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust
needs help - to run local awareness campaigns to highlight the
importance and the necessity of cervical screening," Dave
explained.
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week activities that CWU members will be supporting include distributing posters, leaflets and postcards in workplaces, displaying posters in prominent places - including in the ladies loos! - organising awareness raising events, and/or highlighting the issue in branch newsletters and other communications.
If you want to get involved in this week's activities -
which are aimed at helping save women's lives - you can
download campaign materials by visiting Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.
Or ring the Jo's Trust office on 020 7936 7498 to find out
about events and activities near you.
If you are concerned about the condition, or if you have any further questions, you can contact Jo's fully confidential Cervical Cancer Trust - 'Ask The Expert'.
