PLAID CYMRU'S Assembly Member for Arfon has lent her backing to a campaign raising awareness of the importance of cervical smear tests.

To coincide with Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Sian Gwenllian AM has joined Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust to help raise awareness of how to reduce the risks of the disease.

Over 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, yet it is one of the only cancers that can be prevented.

Cervical screenings or smear tests are the best protection against the disease, followed by the HPV vaccine offered in schools.

Yet cervical screening uptake is at an all-time low with one in four women not booking a potentially life-saving test.

Speaking on the matter, Siân Gwenllian AM said: "Cervical screening prevents up to 75% of cervical cancers developing, so it is worrying to hear that so many women are not attending this test when invited, particularly due to embarrassment.

"Women can reduce risks of cervical cancer in many ways; through attending regular cervical screening, being symptoms aware and knowing the risk factors.

"I would encourage women in Arfon to get themselves tested."