Are you passionate about women’s health issues?

NHS Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is inviting women aged 25 to 64 to take part in a photoshoot for a new campaign to increase the uptake of what can be a life-saving test.

This Cervical Screening Awareness Week (June 11-17), the CCG is launching an awareness campaign to urge the women of the borough to attend smear test appointments.

Every year, approximately 14 women in Waltham Forest are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and around half that number die as a result of the cancer.

Volunteers who are willing to share their experiences about cervical screening are being sought to become the face of the campaign.

An early diagnosis of cancer significantly improves a patient’s chance of survival. Figures for one-year survival across all cancer types in England show that in 2000, 61.6 per cent of people lived beyond 12 months after being found to have the disease. By 2015, this had increased to 72.3 per cent.

Dr Tonia Myers, CCG clinical director and a local GP, said: “It’s really important that women have their cervical screening done, as an early diagnosis of cancer will greatly increase survival rates due to earlier treatment and intervention. 

“If you live or work in the borough, featuring in the campaign and sharing your experience can help women like yourself to face any fears they have around attending a cervical screening test – and potentially save their life.” 

The campaign was designed using feedback from women who attended a workshop in February.

To take part, email wfccg.communications@nhs.net before Monday (June 18) to arrange a one-hour slot for a photoshoot between 9am and 5pm on Tuesday (June 19) at the CCG's office in Kirkdale House, 7 Kirkdale Road, Leytonstone.