HEALTH chiefs are urging women to attend cervical screening appointments in line with a Europe-wide cancer prevention week.

European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week runs from Sunday to Saturday, January 30.

NHS North Yorkshire and York says more than 12,000 women put their lives at risk last year by not attending their routine screening appointment.

Every year in the UK, over 2,800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 1,000 women will die from the disease.

NHS North Yorkshire and York has seen a gradual decline in the uptake of cervical screening within all age groups but particularly in women aged 25-29 years of age.

Women receive their first invitation for screening from 25 years of age, and then they receive an invitation every three years until they are 49.

From 50 to 64 years of age women receive an invitation every five years.

Nurse Jill Wass said "Cervical cancer can often be prevented.

"We want to encourage women who have missed their appointments to come forward and be screened.

"After breast cancer, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women aged 35 and under.

"You can simply contact your GP practice to make an appointment - it could save your life."

For more information about the cancer prevention week, visit the website of the European Cervical Cancer Association, at ecca.info