Legal Experts Back Campaign To Help Prevent Cervical Cancer
This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week (CSAW), a national campaign lead by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to raise awareness of the importance of attending cervical screenings (smear tests) to prevent cervical cancer.
National law firm Irwin Mitchell are getting behind the campaign by supporting and taking part in Steps For Jo’s, two 5km walks/10km runs organised by the charity in Manchester on Saturday 11th and in London on Sunday 12th June.
The events mark the launch of CSAW, which runs from 13-19th June.
The firm have also produced a series of graphics featuring facts about cervical cancer which highlight the importance of screening.
Cervical screening prevents 75% of cervical cancers from developing in the UK yet one in four women fail to attend when invited for a smear test, which is one of the biggest risk factors for developing the disease.
Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer in women under the age of 35 and in the UK eight women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day.
Irwin Mitchell’s medical negligence team deals with many claims for women, or their families, who have been diagnosed with the illness too late, or who have received inadequate care, giving them first-hand experience of the devastation cervical cancer can cause.
Expert Opinion
“Unfortunately we see many cases where women have had their lives devastated because of unnecessary delays in diagnosing or inadequate treatment for cervical cancer.
“Through our work with these women, or in some cases the families they leave behind, we see the heartache caused by cervical cancer, which is why we are backing Jo’s Trusts’ campaign to raise awareness about the importance of screening.
“The amount of women who are not attending smear tests when invited is surprising when you consider that early detection saves lives.
“Cervical cancer is a treatable disease with a good long term prognosis when it’s caught early, but delays can have terrible consequences. It is vital that women attend routine screening tests.
“Charities like Jo’s Trust provide a crucial service in preventing cervical cancer deaths and providing advice and support for those it affects.”
Sarah Wealleans - Senior Associate Solicitor
More information on the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer can be found at www.jostrust.org.uk/
Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in Cervical Cancer Claims.