Marie Stopes International: Women in England remain at increased risk of undiagnosed cervical cancer compared to rest of UK

Wednesday, 24 June 2009 12:00 AM

Marie Stopes International reinstates call for uniform cervical screening programme throughout the United Kingdom.

According to news reports, the Department of Health has today (24th June)announced that women under the age of 25 will not be routinely screened for cervical cancer. Leading sexual health agency Marie Stopes International (MSI) makes the following statement:

"We are extremely disappointed that the Department of Health has today announced the decision not to offer routine cervical screening for under 25s. Cervical screening currently begins at age 20 for women in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but women in England have to wait until they are 25.

"Since the beginning of this year, Marie Stopes International has been calling for cervical screening to be standardised across the UK, so that all women start testing at the age of 20. We are today reinstating this call to action.

"The sad and high profile case of Jade Goody has shown that cervical cancer, whilst extremely rare among women under 30, does nevertheless represent a potential threat to their lives and wellbeing. In the UK, more than 1,000 women die from cervical cancer each year. However, early detection and treatment can prevent around 75% of cervical cancers developing in women, so an about-turn from the government to offer screening from a younger age could save lives.

"The recent introduction of a cervical cancer vaccination programme ironically makes screening all the more important. The vaccine is not a bullet-proof shield against cervical cancer, but there is concern that once vaccinated some young girls may think they are 'safe'. It is therefore vital to encourage girls to start thinking about their own cervical health as early as possible, and to develop a screening culture amongst young women to ensure as many cases of this preventable form of cancer are detected as possible.

"The Department of Health concerns itself with the provision of standardised high-quality care for all, and with promoting a culture of prevention rather than cure. It is therefore nonsensical that English women have to wait for a preventative cancer screening service that is provided five years earlier to women living in the rest of the UK.

All quotes above are attributable to Liz Davies, Director for UK and West Europe, Marie Stopes International.

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