YOUNG women are avoiding getting smear tests because they are embarrassed, new research suggests.

The charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust asked 2,017 British women and a third said embarrassment about their body caused them to delay getting tested. But having a smear test can prevent 75 per cent of cervical cancers.

The charity is releasing the new data today, at the start of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, and as it launches its smear test campaign: #SmearForSmear.

This region's clinical commissioning groups have reported that a quarter of women across South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset and failed to attend their potentially life-saving cervical cancer screening.

Women aged 25 to 49 are offered the test every three years, and then every five years until the age of 64.

Across South Gloucestershire, there has been an overall 78.1 per cent uptake of cervical sreenings, with the lower rate, of 76.6 per cent of 25 to 49-year-olds, opting to take the test.

Speaking on behalf of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Groups (BNSSG CCGs), Dr Alison Wint, GP and clinical lead for cancer, said: “We are well aware that cervical cancer screening is one of the more intrusive tests, but it is important you attend – it could save your life.

“One of the common misconceptions around cervical cancer is that if you received the HPV vaccine you don’t need to attend your cervical screening, this is not the case so please do not ignore your invite.

“The screening takes just a few minutes to complete and will identify abnormal cells before they become cancerous. This allows treatment to take place before the cancer develops.

“Please make sure your local GP has your most up to date address so they are able to send out the screening invitation.”

Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “Cervical cancer is largely preventable with cervical screening (smear tests) providing the best protection against the disease.

“Screening prevents up to 75% of cervical cancers yet the number of women attending is at a 20 year low in England, with around 1 in 4 women in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire missing their test.

“There are many reasons women don’t attend ranging from simply putting it off to worrying it will be embarrassing or painful to not knowing what the test is and why it’s important. During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week we want to encourage women to talk to their friends, mothers and daughters about the steps they can take to reduce their risk of cervical cancer.”

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Groups (BNSSG CCGs) are supporting Jo’s Trust awareness campaign: #SmearforSmear campaign which starts today (January 22) and continues all week.