A cervical screening mobile health hub will visit Wolverhampton from 29 October to 1 November, offering residents another way to access HPV testing and cervical cancer screening.
The hub will operate at four locations across the city during the week-long visit. All Saints Area Network on All Saints Road will host the service on Thursday 29 October from 4pm to 8pm. WV Active Central will be the venue on Friday 30 October from 4pm to 8pm. Pure Gym on Birmingham Road will then host the hub on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November from 10am to 2pm.
Why the mobile hub is coming to Wolverhampton
Cervical screening rates in Wolverhampton are currently below the national average. The mobile hub is designed to improve access and encourage more eligible people to attend screening when due.
The service checks for HPV, or human papillomavirus, a common virus that can affect the skin and areas of the body covered by mucous membranes. Some types of HPV can cause changes to cells in the cervix which, over time, can develop into cervical cancer.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "Two women die every day from cervical cancer in England, yet it is one of the most preventable cancers – and attending screening can help prevent it before it starts, or enable earlier treatment."
What to expect at screening
Ian Sharp, Medical Advisor at Black Country Integrated Care Board, said screening appointments are quick and carried out by trained professionals, typically taking around 10 minutes. "HPV is very common and there is nothing to be embarrassed about," he said.
Sharp added that the council listened to local women and communities about barriers to screening. "By bringing screening into communities, we hope to make it easier for more people to take that important step and protect themselves from cervical cancer."
Cervical cancer symptoms
Cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, common symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding (such as after sex, between periods, or after menopause), changes in vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain. Advanced cervical cancer may also cause back pain, leg swelling, or problems with urination or bowel movements.
Further support
The mobile health hub will return to Wolverhampton on more dates later in the winter. The service will complement routine cervical screening available through GP practices, giving eligible people an additional way to access screening.
Wolverhampton City Council is also working with all Primary Care Networks across the city to improve cervical cancer screening uptake by offering greater access to evening and weekend appointments.