§ Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Health how many smear tests for cancer of the cervix were investigated within the National Health Service in 1966, or in the latest statistical period of returns; and how this performance compares with that in 1964 and 1965.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonI regret that an annual total is not available. Returns show, however, that the rate at which cervical smears were being examined in England and Wales in June, 1966, was equivalent to 1,217,200 a year compared with 468,000 in December, 1964, 605,400 in June, 1965, and 768,300 in December. 1965.
§ Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Health how many cases of cancer of the cervix were detected by smear tests within the National Health Service in 1966, or in the latest statistical period of returns; and how this compares with the number of cases detected in 1964 and 1965.
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§ Mr. K. RobinsonI regret that the information is not available. The main object of cervical smear tests is to detect a pre-cancerous stage of the cervix as a preventive measure before a true invasive cancer has developed. I have asked Regional Boards and Boards of Governors to include in future returns the number of positive smears detected.