WOMEN are still ignoring NHS invitations to undergo cervical screening tests despite early diagnosis being the best way to successfully beat cervical cancer.

While the condition has attracted more media attention since the death of reality television star Jade Goody in 2009, about a fifth of UK women are not getting checked out when sent an appointment.

Now the organisers of Cervical Cancer Prevention week, which runs until Saturday, hope to change attitudes, particularly in women aged 25 to 29 who are the least likely to reply to a screening invitation.

Robert Marsh, chief executive of gynaecology cancer charity The Eve Appeal, said: “Almost all cases of cervical cancer can be prevented by screening and HPV vaccination.

“The earlier cervical cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome will be. Screening is free and can save your life so please, please pick up the phone as soon as that letter drops through the letterbox.”

Girls are also encouraged to have the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination offered at school in Year 8, as it is anticipated to protect against 70 per cent of all cervical cancers.

Mr Marsh said: “Our hopes are that increased awareness around the importance of regular screening, along with further understanding as to what the screening is set out to detect, will help dispel any outstanding myths and encourage women to attend their cervical screening promptly when invited.”

The charity says screening can prevent cervical cancer and is estimated to save up to 5,000 lives each year.

Each year in the UK 3,300 new cases of the disease are diagnosed and more than half of these are in women under the age of 50.

Although very rare in women under 25, it is the second most common cancer in women under 35.

Liz Henley, screening lead for NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “It’s vitally important that women keep their appointment for their cervical screening (smear test). This simple test really can be a life-saver.

“The test can detect any abnormalities or changes in the cervix which, if left untreated, could lead to cervical cancer.

“Screening is the most effective way of preventing this cancer from developing – it only takes a few minutes but could save your life.

“Almost five million women in the UK are invited to attend a test every year. Of those tested, more than 90 per cent receive a normal result.

“If you do have any symptoms which worry you, such as abnormal bleeding, pain or discomfort during sex or an unusual discharge, you should see your GP as soon as possible.”

To those women worried about the test itself, Jill Wass, public health nurse for NHS North Yorkshire and York, said having a smear test takes “just a few minutes”.

She said: “Women have the choice of a female doctor or nurse, and they can also bring a friend for support if they wish.

“The test can detect any abnormalities or changes in the cervix which, if left untreated, could lead to cervical cancer.”

When invited for a test, women will receive a letter asking them to make an appointment for screening. They can choose whether to have it done at their GP practice or family planning clinic.

Since its launch more than 20 years ago, the NHS cervical screening programme has been highly-successful, saving an estimated 4,500 lives every year.

However, in the Yorkshire and Humber region, 20 per cent of women still do not attend for screening on a regular basis.

To reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer:

• Go for screening when invited

• Have the HPV vaccine if you are offered it

• If you smoke, try to stop

• Use a condom to reduce your risk of HPV and other sexually-transmitted infections.