By Ian Bunting
A new suite of videos aimed at increasing the uptake of smear tests has been launched by NHS Lanarkshire . They include messages about cervical screening for the whole population – and specifically for Lanarkshire鈥檚 South Asian communities. Celia Briffa-Watt, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health, said: “We鈥檝e created three videos with discussions about cervical screening – two podcasts and a lived-experience story. ” One of the podcasts is for a general audience and features two young women talking about cervical screening and how important it is to attend when invited. “We know our cervical screening uptake in young women, especially those who receive their very first invitation, is lower than we鈥檇 like it to be. ” The other podcast has two young women of South Asian heritage chatting about the importance of going for a test despite the fact that that it鈥檚 not a subject that鈥檚 often discussed in their community. “The lived experience video is also aimed at our South Asian communities, where there may be a reluctance to attend for cervical screening for cultural reasons. “It features Saffiya – a fictional name for privacy – who is initially doubtful about going for the test but then has life-saving treatment for cervical cancer. “Importantly, we have produced versions of this message in Arabic and Urdu as well as English.” Celia added: “All three videos have been created following work involving NHS Lanarkshire鈥檚 Public Health and Health Improvement teams and our local communities, including Lanarkshire Central Mosque in Bellshill , whose membership is among those who make up our diverse South Asian communities. “The projects engaged with women to find out about the barriers they may experience in attending screening and consider what resources could be co-developed to help them overcome these.” Saffiya鈥檚 story was launched at the mosque, where over 70 female members attended, giving positive feedback. The viewing prompted good discussion and some of the group said they will contact their GP to make their appointment as this was something they had been putting off. One of the women involved in the engagement said: “Thank you so much for this. I didn鈥檛 realise your visits managed to gather so much information and I鈥檓 glad to have been a part of helping.” Megan McNeil, NHS Lanarkshire health improvement practitioner, added: “It would not have been possible to create these videos without the support from the mosque and all the ladies who attended and engaged with us. “A special thank you to the kind family who were willing to share their experience with us.” Celia said: 鈥淎 smear test is the most effective and accurate way of finding out if you鈥檙e more likely to develop cervical cancer. “It checks the cells from your cervix for the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer. “It鈥檚 still important to participate in screening, even if you鈥檝e had the HPV vaccination. “And, if you didn鈥檛 go the last time you were invited or you鈥檝e been putting it off, just contact your GP practice and ask for a cervical screening appointment. You don鈥檛 need to wait for your next invitation. “Anyone aged 25 to 64 who is eligible for screening is invited for a routine smear test. Screening only takes around five minutes. “If you鈥檇 feel more comfortable with a female nurse or GP, be sure to mention this when you make your appointment. “You can ask to discuss the smear test with the practice nurse before your appointment or ask for a double appointment if you think you need a bit longer during your smear test. “You could even take a friend or relative along too, if you鈥檇 prefer.” For full information on smear tests, and those who are eligible, visit the cervical screening section on the NHS Inform website . *Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .