§ Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent recommendations he has received from the Committee on Gynaecological Cytology concerning the age and frequency at which screening for cervical cancer should take place; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Committee on Gynaecological Cytology has reviewed and updated its recommendations on the age and frequency of cervical screening in the light of recent research findings.
The committee has strongly reaffirmed the emphasis previously given to the screening of women over 35 and those who have had three or more pregnancies, at five-yearly intervals, particularly for the women who have not been screened, and has sought to simplify its recommendations in regard to symptomless younger women. The committee has now recommended that screening should first take place for any woman who is or has been sexually active on her first presentation for contraceptive advice or whenever she first requests screening. Screening should be repeated after that first occasion at the ages of 20, 25, 30 and 35, and not on any other occasion, except that every woman should be screened early in the course of care for each pregnancy.
This is an area where medical views can differ, but I am satisfied that the committee, which has a very distinguished membership, is the best and most authoritative source of advice available to me.
I am therefore today consulting the appropriate professional bodies and regional health authorities on a draft circular which, when formally issued, will implement the Committee on Gynaecological Cytology's recommendations and will give clear advice to all those concerned with the screening programme. It will be important to ensure that the facilities and skills available are concentrated, in the first instance, on those women at greatest risk and are not wasted by unnecessary over-use of the services by low-risk groups.