ALMOST a third of women in Scotland do not know what causes cervical cancer and 48% fail to link the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) to its development, according to new research from Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.

Only 16% of Scottish women recognise non-attendance of cervical screening as a risk factor. The UK's only dedicated cervical cancer charity is calling for more to be done if Scotland is to increase the numbers of women attending screening and reduce incidence of the disease.

The research, commissioned by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and launched during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, looked at awareness levels for the disease and attitudes towards cervical screening. In Scotland, more than one in five (21.9%) do not take up their cervical screening invitation each year. When it comes to understanding the purpose of a cervical screening test, many got this wrong.

Of those surveyed in Scotland, 14.9% believed that screening was a test that checked the health of the womb, while one in 10 women thought it was a test for sexually transmitted diseases.

The data also revealed the fears of Scottish women and why they were delaying their screening.

One in 10 worried the procedure would be painful and the same number thought it would be embarrassing, while 16% cited they had had a previous bad experience.

Robert Music, chief executive of the charity, said: "The study shows a clear need to educate women on the causes of cervical cancer and the purpose of cervical screening.

"Ultimately our message to women who are overdue their next screening would be to seek support and advice if they have any concerns and make it a priority to attend."