AN appeal is encouraging women to attend cervical screening when invited after it was revealed over 20% still fail to go.

The Eve Appeal, which is marking Cervical Screening Awareness Week from June 8 to 14, says cervical screening can prevent cervical cancer and is estimated to save up to 5,000 lives each year - yet attendance is still falling.

The best way of reducing your risk of developing cervical cancer is regular screening. Women aged 25 to 49 are invited for screening from the age of 25.

Abnormal cells on the cervix don’t usually have any symptoms, which is why it is so important to go for screenings regularly.

Robert Marsh, CEO of The Eve Appeal, said: “The earlier cervical cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome will be. Screening is free and can save your life so please, pick up the phone as soon as that letter drops through the letterbox.”