Cervical Cancer Deaths Fall Below 1000 As New Research Suggests Changes To Screening Frequency

Published 1st July, 2003

For the first time ever deaths from cervical cancer have fallen below 1,000 in England. Figures released by National Statistics reveal that in 2002, 927 deaths from cervical cancer were registered¹.

"This figure will help reassure the 4.4 million women who are invited for screening in England, that the NHS Cervical Screening Programme is effective in reducing the number of cases of cervical cancer and the death toll from the disease. Cervical screening is currently the most effective way of protecting women against cervical cancer as it detects abnormal cells that may, if left untreated, develop into cancer," says Julietta Patnick, Director, NHS Cancer Screening Programmes.

Whilst the NHS Cervical Screening Programme is having a clear impact on cervical cancer mortality in England, new research published today could lead to an even more effective screening programme for women. A paper published in the British Journal of Cancer² suggests that the frequency of cervical screening should change according to a woman's age.

The paper, by Cancer Research UK scientists, uses data supplied by the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes which part-funded the study. It recommends that

• women under 25 years should not be screened;
• women aged 25 to 49 should be screened every three years;
• women aged 50 to 64 years every five years, and
• women over 65 should only be screened if they have not been screened since the age of 50.

"The optimal frequency of cervical screening has been the subject of debate since the introduction of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme which is why we asked Cancer Research UK to evaluate the interval for cervical screening."

"Today's recommendations will be given to the Advisory Committee on Cervical Screening to consider. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme has always used sound research evidence where it is available. We are always looking for ways in which we can improve the quality of the programme and offer greater protection for women, while protecting them from over screening," said Julietta Patnick.

¹ Health Statistics Quarterly, Summer 2003, National Statistics
² P Sasieni, J Adams and J Cuzick, Benefits of cervical screening at different ages: evidence from the UK audit of screening histories, British Journal of Cancer, July 2003

Notes to Editors

1. All women between the age of 20 and 64 are invited to have a test every three to five years. Once coverage targets have been met, Primary Care Trusts can decide if they wish to recall women more frequently than once every five years.
2. In 2001/2002 60 per cent of health authorities offered screening every three years, while the remaining 40 per cent opted for either five yearly screening or a mixture of the two.
3. The incidence of cervical cancer in England and Wales has fallen by 42 per cent between 1988 and 1997, and this fall is directly related to the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.
4. Cervical Screening now saves approximately 1,300 lives per year.
5. While cervical screening is not perfect, it can prevent 80 to 90 per cent of cancer cases in women who attend for regular smears. Screening is one of the best defences against cervical cancer.
6. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) released an appraisal consultation document on the use of Liquid Based Cytology for cervical screening in May. NICE will make its final recommendations will be available this summer.