DOCTORS are urging women to keep their cervical screening appointments to help beat cancer.

Waltham Forest CCG (WFCCG) is encouraging women to keep appointments after statistics reveal cervical cancer death rates are higher in the borough than nationwide.

Four in every 100,000 women die of cervical cancer in the borough where only three in 100,000 die in England overall.

Despite this only 63 per cent of the 65,575 women aged between 25 and 49 living in Waltham Forest are keeping their screening appointments.

This is lower than England’s average of 71 per cent and it means 25,000 women are missing the chance to detect early signs of the disease.

WFCCG clinical director, Dr Mayank Shah said: “It’s vital that women keep their cervical screening appointments.

“Screening remains one of the best ways to spot cervical cancer early, and prevent it from developing.

“Anyone who is hesitating to go because they are not sure what screening test involves, can call their local GP practice to find out more.”