Cancer of the cervix is largely preventable. For 2008-9 the numbers of number of eligible women undergoing cervical screening increased by just under 400,000 according to a report out today from The NHS Information Centre. The number of eligible women aged 25 to 64 being screened rose by just under 12 per cent last year, from 3.2 million to 3.6 million.
In addition there was an increase in coverage among 25 to 49-year-olds who had undergone screening in the previous three to three and a half years increasing from 69.3 per cent at 31 March 2008 to 72.5 per cent at 31 March 2009.
Robert Music, director of Jo’s Trust, the UK’s only dedicated cervical cancer charity said, “The increase in women deciding to take up their invitation for screening is extremely positive news. Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease thanks to the cervical screening and HPV vaccination programmes. It is great that more women have been proactive about looking after their health.”
University College London, Consultant Gynaecologist Adeola Olaitan provides an in-depth explanation for anyone interested in the latest information on screening, vaccination and treatment options for cancer of the cervix.
