THE number of women failing to attend potentially life-saving pre-cancer tests is rising - a situation described by health bosses as “very concerning”.

Three in ten women in Bradford now fail to go for their smear tests, the highest no-show rate in West Yorkshire.

Dr Anne Connolly, who oversees maternity, women’s and sexual health for Bradford NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), said: “Any woman is at risk of developing cervical cancer.

“It is very concerning that the number of women in Bradford attending their smear test is decreasing.

“It is vital for women to attend their cervical smear when called as this will save lives. The test takes just minutes and can be performed at a GP surgery by the practice nurse or GP or, if preferred, a local contraception service.”

The tests, which can help to head off cervical cancer before it develops, are offered every three years to women aged 25 to 49 and every five years for women aged 50 to 64.

The data shows that the number of women who are missing the tests has risen slightly in both age groups.

Overall take-up rates in Bradford fell from 72.3 per cent in 2013/14 to 71.9 per cent in 2015/16.

Take-up rates have worsened in all five authorities across West Yorkshire, according to the statistics from the Health and Social Care Information Centre.

Today marks the start of Cervical Screening Awareness Week and Bradford Council is urging all women to pick up the phone when they receive an appointment letter and book their smear test in, saying it could save their life.

Philip Hargreaves, health protection senior manager for Bradford Council, said: “Talking about the test does reassure people and encourage more women to attend screening.

“Support from friends and family is important; particularly for women going to a screening for the first time.”

Dr Yasmin Khan, associate medical director for NHS England in Yorkshire and the Humber, added: “Every year in the UK, over 3,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under.

“We know that having a smear test can feel like a bit of an embarrassing prospect, but the test only takes three minutes and you really can’t put a price on being proactive and preventative about your own health.

“It’s actually estimated that early detection and treatment through cervical screening can prevent up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers from developing in the UK.”