04-07-2025
Cervical screening campaign targets South Asian women
The health board launched the videos to boost uptake of smear tests, particularly among Lanarkshire's South Asian communities.
Celia Briffa-Watt, consultant in public health at NHS Lanarkshire, said: "We've created three videos with discussions about cervical screening – two podcasts and a lived-experience story.
(Image: Supplied) "One of the podcasts is for a general audience and features two young women talking about cervical screening and how important it is to attend when invited.
"We know our cervical screening uptake in young women, especially those who receive their very first invitation, is lower than we'd like it to be.
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"The other podcast has two young women of South Asian heritage chatting about the importance of going for a test despite the fact that it's not a subject that's often discussed in their community."
The video is a lived-experience story aimed at South Asian communities, where cultural barriers may discourage screening.
(Image: Supplied) It tells the story of "Saffiya" – a fictional name used for privacy – who initially hesitates to attend her test but later receives life-saving treatment for cervical cancer.
This video is available in Arabic, Urdu, and English.
The project involved engagement with local communities, including Lanarkshire Central Mosque in Bellshill.
Saffiya's story was launched on June 25 at the mosque and was attended by more than 70 women, who gave positive feedback.
Some attendees said they would now contact their GP to book a screening appointment.
Ms Briffa-Watt said: 'A smear test is the most effective and accurate way of finding out if you're more likely to develop cervical cancer.
"It checks the cells from your cervix for the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer.
"It's still important to participate in screening even if you've had the HPV vaccination.
'And, if you didn't go the last time you were invited or you've been putting it off, just contact your GP practice and ask for a cervical screening appointment.
"You don't need to wait for your next invitation.
"Anyone aged 25 to 64 who's eligible for screening is invited for a routine smear test.
"Screening only takes around five minutes."
More information about cervical screening is available on the NHS Inform website.
