§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the upper age limit for routine screening for(a) cervical cancer and (b) breast cancer recommended by her Department.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe upper age limit for routine screening for cervical cancer is 64 years. Women aged 65 and over who have not had two consecutive negative smear tests in the previous 10 years should also be screened, otherwise smears are available at least every five years on request. The upper age limit for routine screening for breast cancer is 64. Women aged 65 and over may continue to be screened at least every three years on request.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women(a) were diagnosed as having and (b) died from (i) cervical cancer and (ii) breast cancer by five yearly age groups in each of the last five years; and what is the total number of women in each of those age groups.
§ Mr. SackvilleFigures for the incidence of cervical and breast cancer are given in "Cancer Statistics Registrations" Series MB1 nos. 16, 18, 19, 20 and 21 (1988 the latest available); and for deaths in "Mortality Statistics: cause" series DH2 nos. 11–19, copies of which are available in the Library.