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  Attending your cervical screening appointment when you are invited is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from getting cervical cancer. In fact, it can stop cancer before it starts and save your life.

And thats why Raisa Alao, Zoe Penny, Kelita Bignall and Clair Carter are supporting the Cervical Screening Saves Lives campaign - sharing their experiences and encouraging all eligible black women to book their appointments as soon as they get their invite letters, and attend.

In a recent survey, nine out of ten women said they would take a test that could help prevent cancer, however research shows that one in four women do not attend their cervical screening. We also know that black women are even less likely to attend.  So why is attendance so low? Raisa shares her story:

Raisa Alao, 31, says: These results dont surprise me. I had never had the cervical screening test until a couple of years ago; I just kept putting it off. I booked a routine GP appointment and while I was there the nurse spoke to me about the test so I decided to have it done. A week later, the results came back showing that I had abnormal cells. I was really worried. However, the nurse informed me that the screening programme is in place to test women for abnormal cells and treat them before they become cancerous.

Thank God I was successfully treated and I made a speedy recovery. I now have regular screenings. The screening test is nothing to be scared of; my screening tests have been absolutely fine, quick and painless. Most tests are done by a female nurse but I usually ask for this anyway to put my mind at rest.

Kelita Bignall, 32, says: I always go for my screenings, its a life-saving test. If you leave it and dont go for your appointment when you get your invitation, youre putting yourself at greater risk of getting cervical cancer. Women of all ethnic backgrounds are at risk of getting cervical cancer, so we shouldnt think that it couldnt happen to us.

Zoe Penny, 47, says: I think that cervical screening is a very important part of self-care for all eligible women, and its only once every three years for women under 50.

The nurses I have seen are very good at putting you at ease, so that you dont feel embarrassed.

Clair Carter, 41, says: My cervical screening test was stress-free, painless and quick - it took less than five minutes of my time. Knowing that cervical screening is a preventative measure to protect myself against getting cancer was a no brainer for me to book my appointment and have the test.

Being in my early 40s and a mum of two children, it's something I feel I must do, for my own sake as well as my family.

Raisa concludes:I am supporting the Cervical Screening Saves Lives campaign and I hope that all black women will join me and ensure you are all protecting yourself and your loved ones against cervical cancer by responding to your cervical screening invitation letter. Make sure you encourage your mother, daughters, sisters, aunties and friends to do the same. So, if you are due or if youve missed your last screening, book an appointment at your GP practice today.

For further information about cervical screening, search NHS Cervical Screening.

Around 2,600 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England each year and around 690 women die from the disease thats two deaths every day.

It is estimated that if everyone in England attended screening regularly, 83% of cervical cancer cases could be prevented.