THE number of women being screened for cervical cancer in Notts is the highest rate in the country.

More than 85% of those eligible outside the city are being tested, according to statistics from the NHS Information Centre.

A total of 43,987 women between 25 and 64, a rate of 85.7%, were screened in 2008/9.

That was an increase of 0.1% on the previous year and is well above the national average of 78.9%.

The number of women having cervical smear tests has increased across the county since the death of TV celebrity Jade Goody.

Prior to this there was concern the number of young people being tested was on the way down.

The reality star died in March at the age of 27, just months after being diagnosed.

It is thought the cancer was already at an advanced stage when she was diagnosed as it had spread to her liver, bowel and groin within months.

Kimberley Maycock, 27, from Bestwood, underwent treatment after an abnormal smear test result the week Jade died.

She recently received an all-clear, six months after her treatment.

She said: "I panicked when I found out about my diagnosis and it shocked me to see someone as young as Jade Goody having her life taken away.

"I encourage all women to go for the smear test; there's nothing to be scared about and ultimately it could save their lives."

Early detection and treatment of cell abnormalities through cervical screening can prevent more than 75% of cancers developing.

Annette Pilkington, cancer screening lead for NHS Notts County, said screening saves up to 5,000 lives a year.

She said: "It's great to see Nottinghamshire women leading the way and taking responsibility for their health by attending regular screening.

"Cervical screening is still the most effective way of detecting abnormalities that could lead to cervical cancer.

"However, there are still some women who do not regularly attend for cervical screening.

"We would recommend that women make an appointment for cervical screening at their GPs when they receive their invitation.

"Smear tests are carried out by highly-trained healthcare professionals and new technology means tests are more reliable than ever."

The Evening Post reported in May that growing number of smear tests means women are having to wait longer to be seen.

And despite the rising rates, it is thought thousands of women eligible for cervical screening are still not attending.

robert.parsons@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk