WOMEN in Worcestershire and across the country are being encouraged to make sure they have booked a smear test.

As part of this week’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, figures have been released showing 33.7 per cent of 25 to 29-year-old women and 22.3 per cent of those aged between 30 to 34 who should have had a smear test between April 2013 and March 2014 did not do so.

But data from the Office for National Statistics has also shown rates of cervical cancer among women aged 35 and younger has increased by 33.1 per cent over the past 10 years.

In an effort to encourage more women to book a test charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has launched a social media campaign raising awareness of the important of undergoing cervical screening.

NHS advice says women aged between 25 and 49 should be screened every three years while those aged between 50 and 64 should do so every five years.

The charity’s chief executive Robert Music said: “Every day we see the devastating impact a cervical cancer diagnosis can have on both a woman and her loved ones.

“But to know that for those that delayed their screening before diagnosis, this could have been prevented, is tragic.

“It’s now time that we see an upward shift in awareness of cervical cancer and an understanding of the importance of smear tests.

“We hope the public get fully behind this fun and simple campaign. The more women who take this life saving five minute test, the fewer who will face infertility, early menopause, more extensive long term effects and potentially even loss of life. It’s time we all acted as it may just save a life.”

A survey by the charity showed the most common reasons women gave for not undergoing screening were concerns it would be painful, embarrassment or belief that it is unnecessary.

For more information visit www.jostrust.org.uk/smearforsmear.