Women are being urged to attend their lifesaving smear tests after figures revealed over 15,000 Cumbrians missed their appointments last year.

The shocking NHS figures show that 15,964 out of 79,577 women weren’t screened despite being eligible.

And Tot Spot owner Angie Greasley is doing her bit to improve these statistics, offering free childcare at her Whitehaven playroom for all mums who need to attend their test.

She says it’s a “no-brainer” for the town centre business to offer the service, as she feels it’s a vital appointment to keep which lack of childcare should not get in the way of.

Abbie Dixon, supervisor at the family-run playroom, said: “It’s really important for women to get their smear test done – it could save their lives.

“I don’t know anyone who was diagnosed with cancer and hadn’t attended their screening, but I do know women who went to their appointment and they were able to spot anomalies and catch it early.

“Sometimes you put it off and put it off because you feel you don’t have time for it, that’s why we offer the free childcare, to make it easier.”

Of the women who missed their screening in 2018/19, 9,220 were aged between 25 and 49 and 6,744 were between 50 and 64.

Dr Sarah Arun, GP at Norwood Medical Centre in Barrow said: “Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, it is a test to help prevent cancer. We test for potentially harmful cells which can turn into cancer and if we find them, action is taken to prevent them from developing.

“We know that women can sometimes feel embarrassed about coming to their cervical screening but please don’t let unhappiness or uncertainty about your body stop you from attending.

“The nurses who carry out the cervical screenings see hundreds of women and will always do their best to make you feel welcome, comfortable and ensure your dignity is maintained.”

She added: “Your practice nurse is specifically trained to do this so please speak to them if you have any issues.

“It’s five minutes that could save your life. Please don’t ignore your cervical screening invite.”

GP Dr. Amanda Boardman from NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group reiterated Dr Arun's comment, saying: “When you receive your letter for your smear test to please prioritise the appointment in your diary.

“If you struggle to attend appointments, due to working hours, ask your practice if there are any opportunities for an extended access clinic, which are available on some evenings and weekends.

“If you are very anxious you could also bring a friend or a relative to support you at the appointment.”

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is currently underway with a number of campaigns in place, including a social media effort to raise awareness using the tag #SmearForSmear.