Gym staff to join cervical cancer awareness drive

Staff at health and fitness centres across the Humber and North Yorkshire region are encouraging women to attend their cervical cancer screening appointments.

The Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance (HNYCA) is training staff at gyms, yoga studios and leisure centres to educate customers about cervical cancer.

Jeanette Coupland, a personal trainer at women's-only gym Gymophobics Hull, said she was "really keen" to get involved in the campaign.

"If sharing information and encouraging just one person to attend their screening helps catch cancer early or even save a life, then it's absolutely worth it," she said.

The training aims to give staff the skills they need to discuss cervical cancer with customers, according to the HNYCA.

By taking part, staff can raise awareness about symptoms and reduce barriers which may stop people from booking their screening appointment.

Emma Jones, an A&E housekeeper at Hull Royal Infirmary, attended her cervical screening in 2021 and was diagnosed with stage two cervical cancer.

But, following treatment, Ms Jones, who lost her mother to cancer, was declared cancer-free in 2022.

"My body was telling me something wasn't right. I was bleeding during or after sex, and I was so tired," the 40-year-old said.

"I went to see my GP and had a screening. If I hadn't listened to my body and asked for a screening, I might not be here now."

According to HNYCA, as few as four in 10 people in the Humber and North Yorkshire attend their cervical screening appointment.

Ms Coupland said: "Cervical screening is something many people feel nervous about or put off, but having open conversations in familiar places like gyms can make a real difference."

Health and fitness centres involved in the scheme include Barbelle Scarborough, Hull's Strongest, Claire Roach Yoga in Grimsby, and AMI Yoga and Wellness in Hull.

The full list of those involved in the campaign can be found on the HNYCA website.

A cervical screening, which used to be called a smear test, is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer, according to the NHS.

All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter. The actual examination takes just a minute and the entire appointment takes 10 minutes.

The HNYCA said the best way to reduce risk of cervical cancer was to attend these screenings.

Dr Tami Byass, a GP at Eastgate Medical Group in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, said people should also visit their GP if they have any symptoms of cervical cancer.

Symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding (including during or after sex), heavier periods than usual, pain during sex, and changes to vaginal discharge.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East YorkshireorLincolnshireon BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices