Cervical Cancer - proposal to lower screening age rejected

The Department of Health has announced a new drive to ensure GP's spot cervical cancer symptoms earlier in young women and refer patients correctly. The immediate actions include:

  • New guidance on the management of young women with gynaecological symptoms and an audit of young women diagnosed with cervical cancer.
  • An awareness campaign for GPs and practice nurses.
  • An audit of all young women diagnosed with cervical cancer looking at their symptoms prior to diagnosis.
  • Expand work to increase screening uptake in women aged 25 to 34.

The Committee were unanimous in their decision not to lower the screening age below 25. They say this decision was taken because scientific evidence shows that screening women in this age group can do more harm than good.

Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
Relating either to the cervix (the neck of the womb) or to the cervical vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). Full medical glossary
The process of determining which condition a patient may have. Full medical glossary
A way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to Full medical glossary