Women across the country are urged to attend their smear tests as figures revealed one in four females miss their screenings.

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35 and every day 9 women in the UK are diagnosed with the disease. However, it is largely preventable thanks to cervical screening.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust figures revealed that the most common reason for smear test avoidance is embarrassment, with 81% of women providing this response.

The charity has launched its annual Smear for Smear campaign, as part of Cervical Cancer Prevention week, to encourage women to get their cervical screenings and help them to overcome their fears.

Robert Music, chief executive of Jo’s Trust, said: “We’re very concerned about the figures. Really high numbers say that they are scared and vulnerable. About 68% said that they wouldn’t tell their nurse about any smear test worries, and that’s a real problem.

“Weeks like Cervical Cancer Prevention week are really important. It is creating a lot of noise and conversation and we had women on social media saying that they will now book their test.”

Rhea Crighton is cervical cancer survivor. She had developed the disease while being pregnant and now urges other women to get their smear tests done in time in order to avoid the consequences she is going through.

Mrs Crighton said: “It’s a lot more painful and a lot more dignify to go through the treatment of cervical cancer than it is to go for a smear. For me personally, I have been put into the early menopause, at the age of 36. I’ve had nerve pain in my feet, legs and my hands from the chemo.

“I have ongoing bladder and bowel issue, so I get the problem with diarrhoea and abdominal pain.”

Around 220,000 British women are diagnosed with cervical abnormalities every year, demonstrating how hugely important getting screened is.

She added: “The number of females not attending their smears worries me, when it’s a simple thing that takes a few minutes. We go to the dentist and get check ups, and yet we’re quite happy not to worry about our other physical health needs.

“Even though I am all clear and I’ve had scans to say me that the cancer is not there anymore, you still live with the fear that every ache or pain, every cough, cold or headache could be that the cancer has come back somewhere else.”