International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Women should not be afraid to visit a gynaecologist for a cervical cancer test, it has been claimed.

A spokesperson for Marie Stopes International suggested that some women who could benefit from a pap smear avoid taking one because they believe it is "not the most dignified test".

However, she explained that it is actually quite quick and while it can cause slight discomfort, it is not painful for the majority of people.

She added: "Nurses have seen it all before, so it is nothing to be embarrassed about. It's more important that women go and have the test and they shouldn't be concerned about it."

The spokesperson commented that cervical screening is even more important now there is a cancer vaccination programme in place in the UK.

"The reason being is that the vaccines don't actually offer a full protection against cervical cancer or certain strains of the virus that can lead to it," she added.

By the end of 2008 there will be two million people living with or beyond cancer in the UK, according to Macmillan.