Cervical screening my way - campaign communications pack

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• Campaign Overview
• Objectives
• Target audiences
• Key messages
• Important links
• Social media
• Resources

About this campaign

The uptake of cervical cancer screening in England is decreasing. Our campaign, which focuses on women’s experiences of cervical screening, offers practical solutions for various stakeholders to help increase cervical screening uptake. 

The campaign also supports NHS England’s ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 by identifying the barriers to screening that people, especially those groups with lower uptake, are facing.

Visit Healthwatch England's website to read our full report.

Find out more

Campaign objectives

• To provide the latest evidence related to cervical screening uptake through data, qualitative research and stories in blogs, the media and social media, focusing on the most at risk groups.  
• To highlight the role of targeted interventions in addressing low cervical screening rates. 
• To raise awareness of the issue and influence local plans to increase cervical screenings.

Who are we targeting?

Key messages 

• Three-quarters of women who are hesitant about cervical screening would use a self-testing kit if it was available for free on the NHS.   
• A poll of 2,444 women highlights that pain, fear, and misconceptions make them hesitant about taking up invitations for cervical screening appointments. 
• Healthwatch England says a more personalised approach to cervical screening will help the NHS meet its ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.  
• Healthwatch calls on the NHS to adopt self-testing, sensitive handling of appointments by screening professionals, drop-in clinics, and increased awareness to boost uptake among all women.   

Social media 

Here are some social media posts that you can use to promote the research in your community and with local stakeholders. Please feel free to adapt any copy to suit your context.

Twitter 

Tweet 1

Today @HealthwatchE launched a campaign to help NHS England meet its ambition to eliminate cervical cancer as screening uptake is dropping. Find out more <ADD LINK> #CervicalScreeningMyWay

Social card (73% of women hesitant about cervical screening would use a self-testing kit if it was available free on the NHS).    

Tweet 2

New research from @HealthwatchE shows pain, fear, and misconceptions make women hesitant about attending cervical screening. Did you know you can ask for adjustments during your appointment? Watch the video #CervicalScreeningMyWay <ADD LINK>

Tweet 3

A more personalised approach to cervical screening will help the NHS meet its ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.  @HealthwatchE set out actions for healthcare leaders #CervicalScreeningMyWay <ADD LINK>

Tweet 4

What would help women attend their cervical screening appointment? The number one priority is having empathetic and sensitive staff. Read women’s views on cervical screening #CervicalScreeningMyWay <ADD LINK>

Social media card (62% women hesitant about cervical screening said sensitivity from healthcare staff about their worries would encourage them to come forward.) 

Tweet 5

We support @HealthwatchE’s calls on the NHS to adopt self-testing kits, sensitive handling of appointments by screening professionals, drop-in clinics, and increased awareness.#CervicalScreeningMyWay <ADD LINK>

Social media card 

("Women's diverse voices and experiences must drive improvements to cervical screening and NHS England's ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.” Louise Ansari, CEO, Healthwatch England) 

Instagram / Facebook post 1

Today Healthwatch England has launched a campaign to help NHS England meet its ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 as screening uptake is dropping. 

We join them in calling for sensitive handling of appointments by screening professionals, drop-in clinics, and increased awareness. We also want NHS England to adopt self-testing kits for cervical cancer to help more women and people with a cervix to get screened. 

#CervicalScreeningMyWay <ADD LINK>

Instagram / Facebook post 2

NHS data shows uptake of cervical screening is dropping. Some women find cervical screening uncomfortable and stressful while some feel embarrassed at undressing in front of a healthcare professional. 

Jennifer told us: “Although I got a reminder letter, I delayed booking my appointment by a year, as I found the last one I went to, around four years ago, really stressful.”   

We’ve put together a video of the things you can ask for before and during your next appointment. 

#CervicalScreeningMyWay

<ADD LINK>