GovWire

This information is for people who find it difficult to attend cervical screening because of:

• a mental health condition
• previous traumatic experiences
• sexual and/or domestic abuse

Local screening providers should direct people who feel anxious about attending cervical screening for one of the above reasons to this information. Individuals can then use this information to help decide whether to attend, and to plan for their screening appointment.

People can also find it hard to attend cervical screening for a number of other reasons. Separate national information and guidance to reduce barriers to screening is available for:

• trans and non-binary people
• carers
• people with severe mental illness
• people with a learning disability
• people in secure settings

This publication is adapted from a leaflet developed by Dr Frederique Lamontagne-Godwin, which was based on research with users of mental health services. This work was supported by:

• Jos Cervical Cancer Trust
• NHS Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust
• Public Health England
• University of Surrey
• University of West London
• West London NHS Trust

We are grateful to all the patients, service user groups, professionals and frontline staff who helped in the making of that leaflet.