THE number of women in Rochford Castle Point and Southend attending routine cervival smear tests is below the target set by the Department for Health.

In south east Essex, 76 per cent of women attended a screenings to detect pre-cancerous cervical changes in 2007-08, below the minimum uptake target of 80 per cent.

For women aged 25 to 29, that dropped to just 64 per cent.

The number varies by area, with Southend recording the lowest rate of 73 per cent, while Castle Point and Rochford are just below the target with 79 per cent.

The test is to detect changes in cells, which could lead to cancer, and the figures were revealed at a board meeting of NHS South East Essex.

Big Brother contestant Jade Goody has recently been diagnosed with cervical cancer and the publicity this has gained has helped raise awareness.

Women aged between 25 and 64 are invited for a screening, which can help to prevent cancer by detecting and treating any early changes in the cells in the cervix.

The test is carried out every three to five years and younger people and pensioner are least likely to attend. Andrea Atherton, director of public health at NHS South East Essex, said: “The low uptake of cervical screening in Southend has been a cause for concern for many years and a number of initiatives have been put in place.

“A drop-in clinic was set up in the centre of Southend where women could opt to have their smear rather than at their GP practice.

“We are also working on a number of initiatives for young women and will be working with GPs to improve access and raise the profile of cervical screening.

“We strongly encourage all women to attend screening after receiving their invitation letters at their GP, or to contact the Kingsley Ward Centre about the Saturday drop-in service.”

To contact the centre, call 01702 577110.