CAMPAIGNERS have hit out as women face delays of up to a year for follow-up smear tests.

The in-depth examination, known as a colposcopy, is required when the human papillomavirus (HPV) is discovered during routine cervical screenings.

However, women and people with cervixes are now waiting up to 60 weeks to receive the vital tests – due to delays of around six to eight weeks for initial results then a further 52 weeks for a further appointment.

The Glasgow Times Don't Fear the Smear campaign has vowed to work to decrease waiting times, while also encouraging people to attend their routine appointments.

READ MORE: Glasgow woman tells of struggles after missing smear test

Now, worried women have told of their heartache being forced to wait for an entire year or fork out a four-figure sum for prompt private treatment.

The Glasgow Times contacted several private hospital facilities to enquire about pricing with costs ranging from £150 for an initial consultation up to £900 for the colposcopy itself.

Some medical firms also charge an additional fee for any lab work, meaning charges would be north of £1000.

Campaigners have warned that delays not only increase the risk of HPV developing into cervical cancer but also lower patient confidence in the system thus discouraging people from attending initial exams.

READ MORE: Glasgow Times launches new campaign

Glasgow Times:

Samantha Dixon, CEO of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “Cervical cancer is generally a slow-growing cancer and short delays waiting for a colposcopy appointment should not impact the ability to pick up cell changes earlier, at a point where cervical cancer can be prevented.

“However, 52 weeks is a long time to wait and the mental and emotional impact of uncertainty must be considered. That burden can take a huge toll on the women waiting for a colposcopy appointment and should not be underestimated. We would urge that the NHSGGC closely monitors and reports the situation and ensures a swift return to national timeframes for colposcopy services.

“We would also reassure women and other people with a cervix that taking up your invitation to cervical screening remains one of the best ways to help prevent cervical cancer, stopping it before it starts. If you have any concerns or questions, Jo’s are here for you for support.”

The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board has apologised for the delays and insisted urgent colposcopies will continue to be prioritised.

A spokesperson: “We apologise to any patient either waiting on lab results following a smear test, or for a follow-up colposcopy appointment. We understand the anxiety this can cause our patients and we would like to reassure all women that all urgent follow-on colposcopy cases continue to be prioritised, with assessments completed within four to five weeks.

“We are working hard to increase our colposcopy capacity in response to an increase in referral rates. This includes the prioritisation of colposcopy within existing gynaecology clinic footprint, additional recruitment of locum consultants with again focus on colposcopy and the development of a nurse-led colposcopy service.

“We continue to urge women to come forward for their screening appointment, as this continues to be the best chance to catch and review any abnormalities at the earliest possible time and increases patient outcomes in the long-term.”