Cervical cancer screening for women under the age of 25 may do more harm than good, say experts. However, campaigners are persuading the government to lower the age.

‘Statistics show that around 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year with a sixth of them under the age of 25.’

Evans still has regular hospital check-ups and had recently started feeling lethargic.
But despite having symptoms of cervical cancer, doctors at the Moss Green Surgery in Bentilee, refused to give her a smear test, because she is under the age of 25.




Evans said, “It's just upsetting that when I have some of the symptoms of cervical cancer and experience of cancer, I can't have a smear test.”
“My GP surgery offered me a swab, but that only picks up infections. A smear test goes right inside and can check for things like cervical cancer. To me, it's clear what I needed. My protein levels were high; I was getting lethargic. These are all warning signs.”
“Women who are under the age of 25 should be able to have a smear test if they want it,” said Evans.
In 2003, the Advisory Committee on Cervical Cancer advised increasing the minimum screening age from 20 to 25.
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But a Department of Health spokesman said: 'Evidence shows screening women under the age of 25 can do more harm than good, which is why lowering the age is not something that's being considered.'
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Source-Medindia