GLASGOW has the worst uptake of smear tests in women under 49, the most recent figures have revealed.

Data released by Public Health Scotland confirmed NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), along with NHS Lothian, was the lowest in the country for attendance in women aged 25 to 49 years old.

Across the country, only 65.7% of eligible people in the age group attended the appointment, however, only 60.4% of those in the NHSGGC area have received the screening, according to percentage coverage statistics from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

The number of eligible people in Glasgow who attended appointments dropped from 65.4% in 2020/21 to 64.4% in 2021/22.

In March, the Glasgow Times launched its Don’t Fear the Smear campaign in a bid to increase uptake among people with cervixes given the poor attendance rates across the city.

In partnership with NHSGGC, our campaign aims to increase awareness around cervical examinations and how to ease anxiety surrounding the procedure.

A spokesperson for the health board said: “Across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde we continue to urge anyone who is due a cervical screening to come forward. This is by far the most effective way to identify cervical cancer early and is crucial in helping us treat it as quickly as possible.

“Alongside regular multi-channel campaigns throughout the year, we continue to work with GP practices, our local Health and Social Care Partnerships and community support agencies to highlight the importance of the test, and to identify and develop actions to address any specific factors contributing to low uptake.

“It’s understandable to feel anxious about the smear test itself but we would like to encourage women across Greater Glasgow and Clyde to please come forward when invited; don’t put it off and if you are worried about symptoms of cervical cancer, please contact your GP straight away for advice.”

Full statistics on last year’s uptake are still not entirely available, however, coverage data, which determines how many people have been screened in the past three to five years, shows just 46.7% of those aged 25 to 29 and 59.5% of those aged 30 to 34 have had the test – despite cervical cancer being the most common form of the disease in women under 35.

Stats begin to improve, both in the Greater Glasgow area and nationally, in the 50 to 54 age group with a peak of 78.6% attendance across the country. Glasgow stands at 77.1% according to percentage coverage stats.