A NEW film featuring Glasgow women aims to smash the myths surrounding cervical cancer, HPV and the menopause.

It comes as new figures reveal “worrying” misconceptions about potentially life-saving smear tests.

The Glasgow Times Don’t Fear the Smear Campaign launched last year in a bid to tackle the low uptake of screening tests – just 65.4% - in the city. Each year in Scotland, 95 women die from cervical cancer, although the disease is largely preventable, thanks to the HPV vaccine and smear tests.

City charity Menopause Warriors Scotland developed the new film with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to mark Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which starts today (January 22).

It tackles the misunderstandings and anxieties about cervical screening in women whose bodies are changing as a result of menopause symptoms.

Research carried out by the trust found half of women surveyed wrongly believe cervical screening is not necessary if you have been through the menopause and no longer have periods.

READ NEXT: Latest data reveals Glasgow smear test uptake dropped

The survey, of 167 women in Scotland, also found that 47% believed women who are no longer sexually active do not need to go for smear tests, without realising that HPV can stay in the body for up to 20 years.

It also revealed 35% thought if there were no symptoms of cervical cancer, they did not need to attend their cervical screening appointment. The charity believes this highlights the lack of awareness that screening detects high-risk HPV and identifies anyone who needs further investigation to check for cell changes.

More than half (54%) incorrectly thought cervical screening was more relevant for someone with a family history of cervical cancer. There is no evidence to suggest that cervical cancer is hereditary.

Although 70% understood the link between the human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical cancer, there was poor understanding about how long HPV can stay in the body.

The survey confirmed physical and psychological changes due to menopause had created further barriers to screening.

READ NEXT: I'm a smear test nurse and this is my secret tip to make process less embarrassing

Since menopause, 36% of women revealed they found the smear test painful; 32 percent feel more anxiety about going for a smear test; 26% feel more body self-conscious; and 20% cited brain fog as the reason why they might not attend their appointment.

Finally, one in five said their smear test nurse or GP was NOT sensitive to the needs of menopausal women.

The film, which has been created thanks to funding from The Big Give - Women and Girls Fund, addresses these concerns with reassuring information and tips to help make cervical screening less of a challenge.

Mairi Macleod, cervical cancer prevention officer for Scotland said: “We wanted to create a short film that was both informative and empowering, explaining why it’s important at this life stage to go for the smear test, and to share tips for a more comfortable cervical screening experience. 

“We want women and people with a cervix to know that it’s okay to say to their nurse or GP at the start how they feel, if they’re anxious for example, or anything else they want to share, so the nurse can support them as needed.

“Simple steps can make a big difference, like telling the sample taker that you are worried that it will hurt, or asking if it’s possible to use a smaller speculum.  It takes just a few minutes to complete the test and it's so important for women's health.”

Caroline Spalding, co-founder of campaigning group Menopause Warriors Scotland, said: “When I understood how important it was for my own health and wellbeing to go for a smear, I managed it so much better.

“It is so important to trust the person who is taking your smear so that you can tell them if you’re feeling uncomfortable, I did exactly that and it made such a difference to me.

“It is so important to go for your smear, as it could save your life.”

You can watch the video here.

To share your story with the Glasgow Times, please email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust offers support and information to anyone concerned about HPV, cervical screening and cervical cancer.  Visit www.jostrust.org.uk  or call the helpline on 0808 802 8000.