This week marks Cervical Screening Awareness Week. Cervical Screening is the best protection against cervical cancer, and saves thousands of lives each year. Yet screening rates are at a worrying 21-year low.

As part of my role on the Public Accounts Committee, I’ve pressed health officials to do more to improve the NHS’s Cervical Screening Programme, and raised concerns about the reasons women don’t attend their screenings.

As well as increasing awareness of cervical screening and its importance, we need to make it much easier and more convenient for women to access cervical screening appointments. It’s also vital that those requiring treatment for cervical cell changes are given the information and support they require.