Film about smear tests launched to boost uptake among BME women

A charity has produced a film to boost cervical screening among women from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust launched the free film after its research showed a third more BME women than non-BME women (12% compared with 8%) said they had never had a smear test.

The charity’s research also found 30% of Asian women were not aware that cervical screening is a test to check cells in the cervix for pre-cancerous abnormalities.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust chief executive Robert Music said: ‘Our research has shown that culture, faith and religion can all affect a women’s ability to access health programmes. We hope this free film will be used by health professionals and community groups to reassure those who might be put off or educate those who do not understand the purpose of the test.’

To see the film go to Your Guide to Cervical Screening