§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy on the availability of periodic smear tests and breast examinations for women, and on charges for such examinations.
§ Sir George YoungThe Department's policy on smear tests, based on the recommendations of the expert Committee on Gynaecological Cytology, is that women aged 35 and over and those under 35 who have been pregnant on three or more occasions should be smear tested every five years. These recommendations are at present under review. Smear tests are carried out free of charge.
The evidence that periodic screening might lead to earlier detection of breast cancer is limited to one study in New York. To obtain more information the Department has set up large-scale studies of screening using clinical and X-ray examinations of the breasts, and to assess self-examination as a method of early detection. Until further evidence is available, I support the view of the Health Education Council that women should examine their breasts regularly and report any abnormality to their doctors immediately.