DATA revealing how many women have attended their smear tests has been delayed for a second time.

Public Health Scotland reveals attendance figures for each health board across the country annually, with figures typically being offered from March to March.

The most recent smear test uptake data showcased poor uptake for women and people with cervixes in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde up to March 2021.

Updated figures were due to be released in September 2022 but were pushed until this month.

However, it has now been confirmed the most recent report will not be revealed until May at the earliest.

It’s understood unforeseen issues, such as technical problems or staff shortages, are to blame for the additional eight-week wait.

It comes as the Glasgow Times is campaigning to increase smear test uptake across the city.

Our Don’t Fear the Smear campaign is attempting to encourage women to attend their routine appointments as well as helping to overcome barriers – such as worries or daily practicalities – that lead to low attendance.

The plea is also calling on both the Scottish Government and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board to decrease lengthy waiting times surrounding smear tests.

As previously reported, current advice is for women to wait a minimum of eight weeks before chasing up initial results – six weeks more than the expected two-week turnaround.

Meanwhile, follow-up colposcopy appointments could take up to one year with many women left feeling they have no choice but to attend private exams costing around £1000 rather than face the anxiety of waiting.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has been fighting to increase awareness around smear tests for the last two decades.

Iona Stoddart, head of Scotland for the charity, previously spoke to the Glasgow Times about her concerns surrounding the city’s dangerously low uptake with less than 65% of those eligible showing up to have the vital examination.

Iona said: “I’m not optimistic about the latest stats that are due to be released next month, but hopefully the only way is up.

“It feels like there’s momentum now.”

The charity is currently celebrating England following Scotland’s lead by approving the potentially life-lengthening drug pembrolizumab which has been shown as beneficial to those living with advanced cervical cancer.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Jo’s has been calling for pembrolizumab to be available across the UK and have been providing the patient voice to NICE as part of their appraisal process, sharing stories of women living with advanced cancer who have benefitted from pembrolizumab or who have been trying to access it.”

It added: “Until now, the only targeted treatment for advanced cervical cancer has been bevacizumab (Avastin) so we’re delighted that in England and Scotland there is now another option available. We hope that availability is swiftly moved forward in Wales and Northern Ireland.”