Smear tests

Autistic women say smear tests can leave them feeling distressed and dismissed, with some avoiding them altogether.

For years smear tests at the Southern Health Trust were being wrongly read, leading to missed cancer diagnoses.

Looking for signs of the cancer in a more convenient way could help women access the test and prevent the disease occurring, researchers say.

Cervical screening, often known as a smear test, is a test to help prevent cervical cancer.

Figures released by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde revealed no age group in the region had hit the Scottish government target of 80% uptake.

The programme checks for human papillomavirus, which is the main cause of cervical cancer.

The 36-year-old shared her experience of undergoing treatment for severe pre-cancerous cells after years of putting off getting a smear test.