GPs and health organisations are being urged to help to improve rates of potentially lifesaving cervical screening by making the most of an innovative online data tool.
The interactive data dashboard provides in-depth information on screening levels and shows where they could be improved. It was launched a year ago by NHS Digital, Public Health England (PHE) and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.
During Cervical Screening Awareness Week, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust has welcomed efforts by CCGs who have used the information – and urged more providers and commissioners to do the same. However, cervical screening coverage in England has decreased in each of the last three years, annual figures published by NHS Digital show.
Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said: “Cervical screening attendance is in decline and it is only through concerted and collaborative action that we are going to see this trend reverse. There is some fantastic and innovative work being undertaken across the country to increase awareness and attendance of the test and it is important that we recognise and celebrate this. Being able to access up-to-date data is vital to understanding where to focus efforts, measure impact of activity and flag where support might be needed so I would encourage everyone involved in increasing attendance to make use of the data dashboard.”
Merton CCG used the data to understand their coverage rates and then worked with GP practices to promote the importance of getting women to take the tests. Dr Shweta Singh, Merton Macmillan GP and Merton Clinical Commissioning Group lead on cancer said: “We have worked in collaboration with our local GP practices to make the best use of this data on the dashboard.
“We are aware that screening levels could be better and are soon launching extra screening clinics to reach more women. It is so important that women take these tests as the earlier we can detect any changes, the better we can prevent cervical cancer and ultimately save lives.”
Pritpal Rayat, Information Analysis Lead at NHS Digital and Responsible Statistician for Screening and Immunisations, said: “This dashboard offers up-to-date and detailed information that users can readily access. It is great to see that a year after it has launched, the data is being used to see where coverage levels could be improved and to target efforts in those areas.
Professor Anne Mackie, PHE Director of Screening said: “This innovative digital dashboard will be a welcome initiative to help increase the number of women take up the opportunity for a screen. Cervical screening prevents thousands of cancers so it’s important we do all we can to ensure women are aware and choose to be screened.
“PHE is committed in its role to provide support to NHS England and local authorities to ensure that as many women as possible can take up their offer of screening.”
