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Written question asked by Christian Matheson (Labour) on Monday, 28 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 October 2019 (named day). It was answered by Jo Churchill (Conservative) on Thursday, 31 October 2019 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Cervical Cancer: Screening

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2019 to Question 1906, what assessment his Department has made of the most appropriate test for patients presenting with symptoms of cervical cancer; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that women with symptoms of cervical cancer under the age of 25 are encouraged to return to their GP if they are denied a cervical screening test but symptoms continue.

Answer

All general practitioners (GPs) should use the latest evidence-based guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to identify people at risk of cancer. The NICE referral guidelines for suspected gynaecological cancers recommend that GPs consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within two weeks) for women if, on examination, the appearance of their cervix is consistent with cervical cancer.

People of any age who present with symptoms of cervical cancer, should make an appointment with their GP, who may then make a cancer pathway referral to a gynaecologist for examination. This may result in an additional referral for symptomatic colposcopic examination if cancer is suspected.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
6417
Session
2019-19
Related items
Heathrow Airport
Monday, 20 January 2020
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Cervical cancer General practitioners Young people Screening
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk