Cervical Screening Extended to Every 5 Years in Wales
In January 2022 Wales announced changes to their cervical screening programme. In line with recommendations of the UK Screening Committee, people with a cervix aged between 25 and 49 in Wales will now only be invited to cervical screenings every 5 years instead of every 3 years. This will match the existing gap for screening appointments for people aged 50 to 64.
While Scotland has already made this change in 2020, it is expected that England and Northern Ireland will also make this change. However, many people are concerned that the longer interval between screening appointments will result in cervical cancers being missed.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a cancer that is found anywhere in the cervix, which is the opening between the vagina and the womb (uterus). Cervical cancer usually grows very slowly. The cancer usually develops over many years, and you don’t always experience symptoms until the cancer becomes more advanced. Therefore, regular cervical screening is the best way to protect against the disease.
Changes to Cervical Screening
The changes to cervical screening have been recommended by the UK Screening Committee because the test used in cervical screening has changed. The new test is known as HPV primary screening and is more accurate at detecting who is at higher risk of developing cervical cancer than the previous test. As a result, the intervals between screening tests can be safely extended for those who are not at high risk.
According to Cancer Research UK, 99.8% of cervical cancer cases in the UK are preventable so early diagnosis and treatment is vital.
Delayed Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment
A delay in cancer diagnosis and treatment could mean an individual needs different or more invasive treatment and could have adverse consequences on outcome. Cancer that is diagnosed at an early stage, is more likely to be treated successfully.
Our Partner and Head of Medical Negligence, Anna Sari commented, “A delay in cancer diagnosis could have a serious impact on an individual’s outcome. In the UK national screening programmes help diagnose cancers at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Many people are concerned that the longer interval between cervical screening will result in cancers being missed, however the improved test every 5 years offers at least as good protection as the old test every 3 years and will help reduce the number of women that go on to develop cancer. Nevertheless, cancer screening is for healthy people who do not have symptoms and no test is 100% accurate. Therefore, if you notice any changes that don’t feel right, you should speak to your doctor straight away.’
If you or a loved one have suffered due to delayed cervical cancer diagnosis or treatment, we may be able to help you get the answers, apology, and compensation you deserve. Speak to a member of our medical negligence team on 033 3344 9600 for support and advice.
Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitors
Morrish Solicitors is a long-established law firm based in West Yorkshire providing a range of legal services to private clients, trade unions, associations, professional bodies, and their members. Our experienced team of medical negligence solicitors are dedicated to supporting and acting for victims of medical negligence.
We can give you the help, support and legal advice you need after being let down by medical professionals.
Contact us on 033 3344 9600 or simply email [email protected] with your request.
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