DESPITE the fact almost 900 women every year die of cervical cancer, many women are still failing to attend their smear test appointments.

Even more shockingly, some of these women are just too embarrassed or scared to go in case cancer is found.

Or perhaps their reason is the old-fashioned mentality that only ‘promiscuous girls’ can get this type of cancer – which is just not true.

How can it be right that women feel so worried they would risk their own life?

Women should not be afraid to go and get this quick and relatively pain free (if done correctly) procedure.

Maybe I am lucky because I was taught as a teenager about the common STD human papillomavirus (HPV), which can develop into cervical cancer and therefore the importance of screening.

I was also fortunate enough to be vaccinated for the infection when I was 17, even though routinely this is actually given to girls aged 12 and 13.

But it's troubling that GPs seem to no longer assigned a date and time for an appointment.

Instead it seems they request you call up to book one instead.

Whilst I understand this could save money I also see the pitfalls.

For example, some women would feel more a sense of urgency if they were given a date and time – even if it had to be rearranged.

I also worry that the embarrassment of having to call up and explain needing a smear test could upset some women – particularly those attending for the very first time.

Perhaps if they could use a code word – as silly as it sounds – maybe that would ease the embarrassment? Or booking online could be more preferable.

Women aged aged 25 to 49 should be screened every three years and those aged 50 to 64 every five years.

Ladies over 65 with recent abnormal tests or those who have not been screen since they were 50 should also be checked.

It is also possible to book an overdue test or you may be offered one when you next visit your GP.

Those not registered with a GP practice can also be screened at a sexual health or well women clinic.

More than 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the UK.

For more information, go to nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening.