Smear tests call for younger women

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Rates of CIN3, which is the most significant type of cell change that can lead to cervical cancer, are increasing among those aged 20 to 24, they said.

Every year, 3,000 to 4,000 women in this age group in England will have CIN3, according to official records from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The English National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) introduced new recommendations in 2004 on when women should be screened.

It said women under 25 should no longer be offered screening while those aged 25 to 49 should be offered one every three years and those aged 50 to 64 every five years.

The change was prompted by research which suggested invasive cancer was rare in women under 25 and that screening was relatively ineffective in preventing fully invasive cancer.

Dr Amanda Herbert and colleagues, from NHS trusts across London, examined national rates for invasive cervical cancer and CIN3.

Writing in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, they said failing to invite young women for screening "may mean that a few will enter the programme 'too late' to avert cervical cancer".

"Since 1989, rates have increased in women aged 20 to 24 and 25 to 29 years, while decreasing in those aged 35 to 39 years and above.

The experts argued that many cases of cervical cancer could be prevented by treating abnormal cell changes before they become invasive.