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Move to lower age for cervical cancer tests
Anna Davis13 Mar 2009
The age women are first screened for cervical cancer could be lowered.
Health bosses have agreed to carry out a review of the system, which sees women in England screened at 25 but those in Scotland and Wales at the age of 20.
Charities reported a 20 per cent rise in women attending screenings, which has been attributed to the publicity surrounding Jade Goody's battle with cervical cancer.
Health Minister Ann Keen said: "Cervical screening saves around 4,500 lives every year and we want to ensure our programme remains in the best interests of young women.
"Experts will review how we can increase awareness of the importance of screening and encourage more women to take up this important service."
National Cancer Director Professor Mike Richards said: "It is important that we look at any emerging evidence so that we can be sure, and can assure young women, that this is still what is best for their health.
"Early detection and treatment can prevent around 75 per cent of cervical cancers developing in women so we will also look at what more we can do to highlight the importance and benefits of screening."
The NHS raised the screening age in England from 20 to 25 in 2004 after a study by Cancer Research found that cervical cancer is very rare in teenage girls.
Reader views (1)
the age in Spain is 18, get it lowered, i know that would mean spending more money for the NHS, and we all know money is more important than life in this world!
- Rachel, Spain, Bilbao, 14/03/2009 12:51
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