Clinical Practice Guidance
Department of Health - Published 2010
A recent review by the Advisory Committee for Cervical Screening recommended no change to the age of starting cervical screening and that the screening range would remain at 25-64 years.
The decision was based on the potential for more harm than benefit of cervical screening in this age group. It was recognised, however, that in the rare cases of cervical cancer which do occur in women younger than 25 years (around 50 per year, with 0-5 deaths), there is a delay in diagnosis in a significant number following self-referral with abnormal bleeding.
The ACCS recommended the development of clinical practice guidance, which would reduce the risk of a delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer, by identifying those women most at risk.