Following a drop in the number of women undertaking cervical cancer tests in Scotland, a new campaign has been started so as to encourage women to go in for free cervical cancer screening.

In 2008-09, when reality television celeb Jade Goody was detected with the fatal disease, a large number of women were diagnosed for the sickness. The star eventually gave up to the deadly illness.

According to yesterday’s data, there was an 8% drop in the tests that were carried out in the previous year. The number of women showing up for the test has plummeted, says the frontline personnel.

The Scottish NHS is doling out massive number of pamphlets in an endeavor to boost women to take up these tests when invited. It comprises the message, “The test only takes five minutes and could save your life”.

National screening program coordinator, Carol Colquhoun said that they intend to increase consciousness about cervical cancer and request women to undergo cervical screening test.

She said that the new flyers will prove to be beneficial and include answers to queries regarding the test. Colquhoun feels that the initial signs of cervical cancer might be left unguarded if women overlooked the invitation.