DoH announces cervical cancer screening review

The Department of Health (DoH) has announced a review will be conducted to examine whether women aged 24 and under should be screened for cervical cancer.

In line with recommendations from the World Health Organisation, the examining programme for this disease currently starts once females are 25 years old.

The investigation will examine the harms versus the benefits for younger individuals undergoing the procedure, the awareness women have about the illness and the likely impact of HPV vaccination on future incidences of the condition.

Health minister Ann Keen remarked the government is currently “very proud” of the NHS cancer screening programme.

She noted that examinations for the disease saves 4,500 lives a year and it is important to continue looking after the health of young females.

“Experts will review the latest available evidence in this area as well as consider how we can increase awareness of the importance of screening and encourage more women to decide to take up this important service,” Ms Keen concluded.

In other news, the DoH will conduct a review about the fairness of the organ allocation system in Britain.