September has been Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month.

Cervical screening (smear tests) can save lives, and prevent cervical cancer. But almost 1 in 3 don’t attend when invited.

Research has found that one of the biggest barriers to attendance is work.

• 1 in 5 have had to use their annual leave to attend a cervical screening appointment
• 80% of those who work full time cannot get a convenient cervical screening appointment
• 15% have delayed a cervical screening because they felt unable to take time off work

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust want to change this and are encouraging employers to sign up to Time to Test. This means committing to giving employees the time they need to attend these appointments, as well as raising the profile of cervical screening and cervical cancer in the workplace.

There are already over 100 companies signed up the Time to Test pledge, but the aim is to reach even more.

Jeff Smith MP said:

“This Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month I’m pleased to support the Time to Test campaign, and call on all workplaces in Manchester Withington to give their employees the time they need to attend potentially life-saving appointments.”