More than a third of women are not going for smear tests, a charity has revealed.

In Barnet, 63.9 per cent of young women have not been attending smear tests locally, according to statistics from Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.

A recent survey from the trust revealed some reasons why women don't attend these tests is due to embarrassment and body shame.

According to the report, 35 per cent of women surveyed were embarrassed because of their body shape, 34 per cent were concerned about how the appearance of their vulva would be perceived, and 38 per cent were concerned over their smell.

A third of the 2,017 women surveyed, all between 25-35 years old, also said they would skip their appointment if they hadn't shaved or waved their bikini area.

Robert Music, Chief Executive Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: "Smear tests prevent 75 per cent of cervical cancers so it is a big worry that so many young women, those who are most at risk of the disease, are unaware of the importance of attending. It is of further concern that body worries are contributing to non-attendance.

"Every area has different demographics, pressures and geography. Local activity is therefore critical to ensuring turning around the downward trend in coverage.

"There is already so much great work being done across the UK, however if this is not amplified and prioritised, we will continue to see a decline in cervical screening coverage and ultimately lives lost."

The report was also revealing in showing other reasons why women do not attend smear tests, which can range from not wanting to hear if something is wrong, believing their healthy lifestyle will mean they do not need one, or that they are unsure where to get one.

Mr Music added: "Please don’t let unhappiness or uncertainty about your body stop you from attending what could be a life-saving test. Nurses are professionals who carry out millions of tests every year, they can play a big part in ensuring women are comfortable.”

The report comes ahead of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, running from January 22-28, and the charity has set up a #SmearForSmear campaign to raise awareness of the importance of attending these screenings.

For more information visit www.jostrust.org.uk or call the national helpline on 0808 802 8000.