Mobile screening service for women

Mobile unit ‘shows up’ for women who’ve missed routine tests

Nervousness, embarrassment and lack of time are among the reasons almost one in three women don’t attend their routine appointment for a smear test which is a vital check for cervical cancer.

To help eligible women in Doncaster overcome these barriers, particularly in more deprived areas, a mobile screening service has been launched.

‘Showing Up’ in a number of locations across the city for a three-month trial period from October, the unit hopes to encourage as many people as possible whose tests are overdue, to get an appointment booked for them by their GP in an area convenient for them.

The service will also offer drop-in facilities for anyone over the age of 25 who isn’t registered with a Doncaster GP and wants or needs a test.

The unit is being mobilised in specific target areas in central and north Doncaster where four practices show particularly low attendance and over 2,000 women overdue for a routine test.

Recent statistics show that around 4.6 million women aged 25 to 64 in England have never been screened for cervical cancer or are not up to date with their tests.

The Doncaster service plans to set up for one day a week at locations including The Flying Scotsman health centre, the Eco-Power Stadium, Dearne Valley Leisure Centre, Bullcroft Memorial Hall in Carcroft and the Vermuyden Centre in Thorne.

Dr Steph Edgar, GP and Clinical Lead for the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance, said: “We understand that people invited for a smear test often go through a range of emotions and find reasons not to book or attend for an appointment.

“But there is a wealth of information available about what to expect during the screening procedure and how to prepare for it, not only by talking to your GP or practice nurses, but also by listening and talking to others through support groups, online forums and blogs, to hopefully help quell people’s fears.

“It’s so important for people to book and keep their appointments when invited as screening helps to save around 5,000 lives a year.”

A collaborative project between the SYB Cancer Alliance, Yorkshire Cancer Research and Primary Care Doncaster, the service is being advertised through GP surgeries, community centres and events, and across social media channels.