A DORCHESTER hospital is urging women to make sure they are up to date with their smear test.

Consultant gynaecologists at BMI The Winterbourne Hospital are aiming to raise awareness and educate the local community about the risks associated with cervical cancer.

Women aged 25 to 49 are invited to attend for a cervical screening every three years and those aged 50 to 64 are invited every five years but recent figures show 20 per cent of women still do not attend their screening.

Gynaecologist Muhammad Iftikhar said: “Every day I see the effect this disease has on my patients and their families and each week I see women who have missed smear tests or avoided them altogether.

“We are very concerned that some women are not attending this vital cancer screening test.

“Early detection of changes to the cells of the cervix can be easily picked up and treated following a routine smear test. Very often I see patients present themselves with symptoms at a late stage.”

For more information visit bmihealthcare.co.uk/winterbourne