Lack of awareness about the adjustments available in cervical screenings is preventing people from attending appointments and ‘costing lives,’ a cancer charity has warned.
The Eve Appeal says information on the adjustments available in screenings should be made more widely available, and that practice nurses play a key role in supporting patients through the screening process.
Research commissioned by the charity suggests many people do not know that they can adapt the screening process, including by requesting different positions or longer appointments.
The charity’s survey released for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, found that over half (56%) of respondents were not aware that they could ask for their cervical screening to stop at any point, and over three-quarters of respondents (77%) didn’t know they could ask for a smaller sized speculum.
Helen Hyndman, registered nurse and Ask Eve co-ordinator, told Nursing in Practice that practice nurses play a ‘key role’ in highlighting the importance of cervical screenings and ensuring patient’s feel ‘listened to’ through what can be an uncomfortable procedure.
‘This enables women and people with a cervix to feel listened to, reassured and helps to reduce any fear, embarrassment or anxiety they may be feeling.
‘It helps to reduce some of the barriers people face when accessing cervical screening, increasing uptake,’ she said.
Ruth Bailey, practice nurse and chair of the Royal College of Nursing’s Women’s Forum, suggested that ‘simple adjustments can make all the difference’ in easing the range of anxieties that cervical screening can trigger.
Cervical screening can be especially challenging for people with a history of birth trauma, sexual assault, or those who are ‘fearful’ of what the results may show, Ms Bailey told Nursing in Practice.
She said the range of trauma that patients have can also shape how they express their worries during an appointment, with some patient’s presenting with clear physical ‘barriers’ to the appointment, while others may struggle to communicate their precise concerns.
Ms Bailey said offering a ‘planning appointment’ to talk through concerns, explaining the procedure, offering music, including an interpreter or providing easy-read explanations are all useful options for nurses looking to reassure patients and ensure the screening process is explained effectively and inclusively.
Last month, the RCN published guidance on providing cervical screening for physical disabled and autistic women.
Healthwatch England published research last year which found that a more personalised approach from ‘empathetic’ staff is vital in improving cervical screening uptake.
