JUNE 2009
Our City
11
Test uptake boosted by
the Jade factor A
CAMPAIGN aimed at urging young women to have a smear test and help to protect them against cervical cancer took to the roads of Stoke-on-Trent.
The life saving message was displayed on an ‘ad-van’ which toured the city and other parts of North Staffordshire to promote the importance of cervical screening. Latest statistics show the number of women aged between 25 and 34 coming forward for smear tests in the area has been decreasing. However, since the tragic death of 27-year-old Big Brother celebrity Jade Goody from cervical cancer earlier this year there has been a noticeable increase in the number of test samples being sent to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire for analysis. At the moment we do not have the break down of the ages involved in these additional tests, but health officials hope many of them will prove to be young women encouraged to come forward by publicity surrounding the case of Jade Goody. It is important for women to have smear tests because early detection of cell abnormalities and treatment can prevent around three out of four cervical cancers developing. The cervical screening programme targets women aged between 25 and 64 who are sent an invitation when their test is due. However, if women aged 25 don’t come forward for their first test even after a reminder, there’s a danger they will never have one. Dr Mary Synnott, Cervical Screening Co-ordinator for Primary Care Trusts across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, said: “Since Jade Goody’s death the average number of test samples being sent to the hospital has risen from 650 to a peak of about 1,100 a week, which suggests the tragedy has increased awareness of the need for regular screening. However it is
WIN family tickets for two West End hits at The Regent
Dr Mary Synnott, Cervical Screening Co-ordinator for PCTs across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, with some of the campaign posters encouraging women to take a smear test. Inset, Jade Goody whose tragic death from cervical cancer caused an increase in smear test uptake.
too soon to say whether this means more younger women in the age range we are targeting are coming forward.” Dr Synnott added: “Around 900 women die each year of cervical cancer in England and many of those who develop it have not been screened regularly.” For a free and confidential test either visit your GP surgery or the walk-in clinic at Hanley Health Centre, Upper Huntbach Street (phone 01782
425120) on Mondays between 9.30am and 11.30am or the walk-in clinic at Ryecroft Health Centre, Newcastle (phone 01782 427300) on Thursdays 5.30pm-7.30pm. ■ Young women aged 17 and 18 are being urged to protect themselves against cervical cancer by having the HPV vaccine in a course of three jabs over six months. Take up of the HPV vaccine – which will save an estimated 400 lives every year in England
– is still relatively low in some of our areas. For more information speak to your practice nurse or doctor, or go to www.nhs.uk/hpv
Free courses aim to get more people cycling A SERIES of cycling courses have been organised as part of a city council drive to get more people using pedal power to get around Stoke-on-Trent. More than 20 free cycling camps have been organised in leisure centres across the city. It is just one of many measures being introduced to encourage more
people to cycle after the city was awarded Cycling City Status by Cycling England and the Department for Transport. The courses have been developed for cyclists of all levels to gain more confidence on their bikes. They cover everything from riding a bike to cycling on local
roads. The courses are being held in Dimensions, Fenton Manor and Hanley city centre and run until October. To view a list of the camps that have been organised log-on to stoke.gov.uk/cycling For more information on cycling please visit stoke.gov.uk/cycling or contact the Transport Planning Group on 01782 232066.
TO celebrate a decade of top performances and world-renowned productions at The Regent Theatre, Our City has teamed up with the award-winning theatre to offer readers the chance to win tickets for two eagerly anticipated shows. The Regent Theatre, based at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent’s cultural quarter, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in style with a season of West End and Broadway hits and a host of other crowd pleasers. Two sets of FAMILY tickets, for two adults and two children, are up for grabs. One is for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and the other for family favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Beauty and the Beast is a lavish musical which features lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and music by Alan Menken and has already been seen by over 25 million people worldwide. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang features a cast, orchestra and crew of 100 (including 10 dogs), sensational sets and stunning special effects. Beauty and the Beast runs from September 15 until September 19 and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from November 17 until December 5. To take part in the competition just answer the following question: Which other popular entertainment venue in the city centre is twinned with the Regent Theatre? Send your answers to Beauty and the Beast competition, FREEPOST, Our City; or email ourcity@stoke .gov.uk – and don't forget to include your name, address and a daytime contact number. Closing date is Friday July 24. First correct answers drawn out of the hat win the prizes. The editor's decision is final and the winners will be contacted by midAugust.