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| Smear test age limit to remain 25 | Smear test age limit to remain 25 |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| The screening age for cervical cancer will not be lowered from 25 in England, the government says. | The screening age for cervical cancer will not be lowered from 25 in England, the government says. |
| Ministers rejected calls for the move after asking its screening advisors to review policy. | Ministers rejected calls for the move after asking its screening advisors to review policy. |
| Health Minister Ann Keen said lowering the age could cause too many false positive results. | Health Minister Ann Keen said lowering the age could cause too many false positive results. |
| She also said further testing carried a risk of damage to the reproductive system which might raise the risk of future premature births in young women. | |
| But she said there would be an awareness campaign to encourage GPs and nurses to spot the signs of cancer at an earlier stage. | But she said there would be an awareness campaign to encourage GPs and nurses to spot the signs of cancer at an earlier stage. |
| The position in England contrasts to that in the rest of the UK, where screening is carried out from the age of 20. | The position in England contrasts to that in the rest of the UK, where screening is carried out from the age of 20. |
| Ms Keen said: "In the past few months I have met with a number of young women who have cervical cancer. | Ms Keen said: "In the past few months I have met with a number of young women who have cervical cancer. |
| "I have listened carefully and I am determined to make sure that our policy is in their best interests." | "I have listened carefully and I am determined to make sure that our policy is in their best interests." |
| Goody case | Goody case |
| In 2003, the age when women in England are invited for a smear test was raised from 20 to 25, as it was felt it did more harm than good in younger women. | In 2003, the age when women in England are invited for a smear test was raised from 20 to 25, as it was felt it did more harm than good in younger women. |
| But there been calls to lower screening age following the high-profile case of Jade Goody. | But there been calls to lower screening age following the high-profile case of Jade Goody. |
| The reality TV star, 27, was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year, but the disease had already spread to her liver, groin and bowel. | The reality TV star, 27, was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year, but the disease had already spread to her liver, groin and bowel. |
| In 2008, UK researchers also found the incidence of high-grade pre-cancerous lesions was increasing in younger women, prompting them to call for screening to be offered from the age of 20. | In 2008, UK researchers also found the incidence of high-grade pre-cancerous lesions was increasing in younger women, prompting them to call for screening to be offered from the age of 20. |
| Cervical screening is estimated to save around 4,500 lives a year. | Cervical screening is estimated to save around 4,500 lives a year. |
| Early detection and treatment can prevent around 75% of cervical cancers developing. | Early detection and treatment can prevent around 75% of cervical cancers developing. |
| In England in 2006, a total of 56 women under the age of 25 were diagnosed with cervical cancer. | In England in 2006, a total of 56 women under the age of 25 were diagnosed with cervical cancer. |