In our country, women's health is too often pushed aside or not given the attention it deserves. Regular cervical screening is a vital tool that saves countless lives by detecting early signs of cervical cancer. However, plans to extend the interval between cervical screenings from 3 years to 5 years pose a significant threat to women's health.

Cervical cancer can develop swiftly and silently. By lengthening the time between tests, we risk allowing more cases to go undetected until it is too late. Smear tests, which take only a few minutes, have been proven to reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer significantly. Statistics from the World Health Organization indicate that regular screening has contributed to a substantial decrease in cervical cancer rates across countries that adhere to shorter screening intervals.

An extension to 5 years could delay the identification of precancerous changes, reducing the chances of successful treatment and ultimately, survival. Many medical professionals and health organisations advise maintaining screening intervals at 3 years to ensure the best possible outcomes for women.

Our healthcare system must prioritise the well-being and health of women by maintaining the current 3-year screening cycle. This ensures early detection, prevention, and peace of mind for millions of women who rely on these tests.

Sign this petition to safeguard the health of women and uphold the medical standards that save lives. Together, we can make a difference.