Increasing uptake of cervical screening in Southwark
Students join efforts to prevent cervical cancer in new Partnership Southwark campaign
Students join efforts to prevent cervical cancer in Southwark in new Partnership Southwark campaign
Partnership Southwark has launched an innovative new campaign to boost cervical screening among younger residents in this south east London borough. Developed in partnership with students from London College of Communication, the social media campaign aims to increase awareness and encourage women and people with a cervix aged 25-29, to attend potentially life-saving screening appointments.
Students from the college collaborated with Partnership Southwark, transforming essential messages about preventing and detecting early signs of cervical cancer into engaging visuals designed to resonate with a younger audience. These targeted messages are appearing on social media throughout Southwark from November 2024, with a particular focus on areas where screening rates are lower. By additionally focusing on more deprived areas and migrant communities, the campaign also aims to support health and care partners’ work to reduce health inequalities in the borough, encouraging greater engagement with preventive healthcare from these communities.
Nikki McFarlane, Nurse Clinical and Care Professional Lead for Cancer in Southwark, emphasised the importance of screening, saying, “Cervical screening – or the smear test – isn’t as scary as you think. It’s a quick check to detect any early changes in the cervix, which can prevent cancer or help diagnose it early, improving the likelihood of successful treatment.”
Denise McLeggan, Southwark Public Health Improvement Lead at NHS South East London and Southwark Council, said, “I’m proud of our partnership with students at London College of Communication. Their creative approach and understanding of social media help us reach young adults in Southwark where they are.”
Sangeeta Leahy, Director of Public Health at Southwark Council, encouraged residents to participate, stating, “Cervical screening is offered to everyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64, and we want everyone who is eligible to come forward. Uptake rates in Southwark fall short of the national target, which is a concern as cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. It’s a challenge to prioritise your health when your days are busy with work, college, family, friends and just living, but cervical screening really does save lives. I’d encourage everyone who is eligible to give time to their health and wellbeing and book their free appointment when invited.”
Partnership Southwark is a collaboration between the NHS, council and community organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Southwark. For more information on cervical screening and the NHS cancer screening programme, click here.
