A MUM who lost her daughter to cervical cancer is urging young women not to ignore their invitations for screening after statistics showed a decrease in the attendance of women aged 25 to 29.

Jane Puckett, from Weymouth, lost her daughter Tanya last August when she was just 25.

Tanya was diagnosed with small cell cervical cancer in December 2011 when she was 22 years-old.

Her son Max was just two at the time.

Statistics released by NSH England show that the number of women aged between 25 to 29 years of age having cervical screening is among the lowest at 63 per cent.

This means that fewer than two out of three women in this age group have been screened over the previous three and a half years.

The test detects small changes in cells that could later develop into cancer.

Ms Puckett said: "The six months after Tanya's diagnosis were very distressing; lots of chemotherapy and two different types of radiotherapy and the side effects were exhausting - sickness, hair loss and missing out on fun things with Max.

"In February 2013 we thought she had won the fight so Tanya and Max moved to Essex to be with her partner.

"Sadly by October 2013, her cancer had returned.

"A further six months of treatment came to an end in April 2014 when it was realised she had cancer in her lung and brain.

"In July we were told that she would not make her wedding day at the end of August and she returned home to receive palliative care.

"A special licence was issued and she was married in hospital.

"Nine days later she died - my beautiful daughter aged just 25.

"Tanya's aunty opened a sweet shop on Portland in her memory in March this year - Tanya's Treats - which is currently raising funds to send Max and his dad on day trips."

Clare Simpson, screening and immunisation lead for cervical screening, NHS Wessex said: "We have seen a fall in the attendance of younger women over the past few years, and this decline in attendance for screening is now showing a rise in the incidence of cervical cancer in women under 40.

"Many young women don’t appreciate the importance of attending for their first screen, when invited around their 25th birthday.

"It’s vital therefore that all young women act promptly and take up their screening offer when invited to do so."

Ms Puckett said: "I think a lot of young girls who have the HPV vaccine (human papilloma virus) think they are protected and that's not the case.

"So the next time the reminder letter drops on your door mat for your free smear remember the short time it takes to perform could save your life and keep your family and loved ones from a lifetime of pain and devastation."

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830985

e: meghan.hindley@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoMeg