Cervical cancer is largely preventable thanks to the NHS cervical screening programme and HPV vaccination programme, but smear tests are not always easy and can be confusing. Research suggests that awareness of cervical cancer and prevention is lower among women from an ethnic minority background and these women have a different perception and face different barriers to screening then white women. Health literacy may also play a role in low screening attendence.
This short film called 'Your Guide to Cervical Screening (smear test)' aims to give women and people with a cervix more information about smear tests. The video was made with input from focus groups of women from across the Midlands, a professional Reference Development Research Group made up of experts in screening and local community groups, and features real women and new animation custom created specifically for Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.