Is Cervical Screening Getting It Right?
Cervical cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in women under 35. The NHS reports that approximately 2 women in the UK die per day from cervical cancer.
Regular screening prevents around 75% of cervical cancers developing.
Despite this, it is reported that 1 in 3 people do not attend their cervical screening test.
At Bridge McFarland LLP we encourage everyone invited to a smear test to attend. Cervical Screening Awareness Week runs from 19th June through to 24th June this year. It is an annual event created to raise awareness about the importance of regular cervical screening.
Whilst the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (more regularly known as “HPV”) vaccination for school-aged children has led to a sharp drop in cervical cancer rates, cervical screening tests remain vital to prevent cervical cancer from developing. The vaccine is offered to children in Year 8 at secondary school, but do not worry if your child has not had it, they are still eligible to have it for free on the NHS until they reach the age of 25?
The NHS plan to reduce cervical cancer to less than 4 in 100,000 women by 2040 by the use of the HPV vaccination and consistent and improved cervical screening.
What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening, or a ‘smear test’ as it was formally known, is a check for types of high-risk HPV that can cause changes to the cells of the cervix – the opening to the womb from the vagina.
It is not a test for cancer, but the results can help prevent cancer in the future.
HPV is a group of viruses which result from any kind of skin-to-skin contact of the genital area. HPV does not usually cause any symptoms, and it is common for people to be unaware of its presence. Some types of HPV do not cause any issues, however some high-risk types cause cells to undergo changes which lead to cancer.
A cervical screening test involves the use of speculum to hold open the vagina whilst a small sample of cells from the cervix are taken. These cells are then tested for HPV.
Who should have a cervical screening test?
The test is offered to all people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. Invitations are typically sent every 3 years for individuals aged 25-49, and every 5 years for those aged 50-64.
There are many common misconceptions such as the belief that, if you have had only one sexual partner or you’ve had the same partner for a long time, you do not need a test. However, everyone invited is encouraged to attend. Cervical screening saves lives. For more information visit http://nhs.uk/cervicalscreening
Results of cervical screening
If HPV is found, but no abnormal cell changes are detected, the next step is to have a screening in 1 year and again 1 year later if HPV is still present. If HPV is detected for 2 subsequent years, a colposcopy should be advised. A colposcopy should be recommended immediately if HPV and abnormal cell changes are detected.
A colposcopy is a test carried out in a hospital setting which involves using a microscope to look at the cervix in more detail. During a colposcopy, a biopsy may be taken to check for cancer.
Routinely attending for cervical screening is the only way to ensure you have consistent checks to prevent cervical cancer from developing.
Can the NHS get it wrong?
Whilst it must be stressed that cervical screening tests are extremely important in detecting cervical cancer, unfortunately cervical cancer can still be missed or misdiagnosed.
An example of this is the story concerning Southern Health Trust in Northern Ireland. As part of the investigation over 17,000 women had to return to have their smears repeated. Sadly 8 women’s cervical screening results were misreported, and they went on to develop cancer, which could have been avoided. 11 other women needed to receive treatment as pre-cancerous changes in their tests had been missed. There are concerns that tragic stories such as this one are not isolated incidents but representative of a more systemic issue.
Seek answers
Did you know that if you or a loved one have had a diagnosis of cervical cancer, but have previously had all routine screening, you can request an audit of your previous smear tests. This audit process will enable you to get answers as to why you have developed cancer and sadly, if anything has previously been missed, or misreported as being fine, when it was not.
At Bridge McFarland LLP we represent women who have suffered a misdiagnosis, or worse still, the families of a loved one lost to a cervical cancer that was preventable.
Our specialist team have assisted many clients on this topic over the years. For example we represented a family who lost their wife and mother to cervical cancer due to a misreporting of her smear results. It was too late to save her by the time her cancer was diagnosed.
Delays, misreading of results or issues with the collection of the sample may all result in cervical cancer going undetected.
Failure to diagnose cervical cancer or a delay in diagnosis can lead to more invasive treatments, pain and suffering, and in some cases death. Making a medical negligence claim, although no substitute for the appropriate diagnosis and management of cervical cancer, can help to alleviate some of the financial consequences.
Have you experienced negligence in detection of cervical cancer?
If you or a loved one have experienced such a failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of cervical cancer, please get in touch. We can help you raise a complaint about your care and, where possible, investigate a medical negligence claim on your behalf.
Please get in touch with one of our understanding medical negligence specialists on 0800 987 8800 or make a free online enquiry here and we will contact you. Alternatively, email us at [email protected].
Medical Negligence Specialists – Bridge McFarland LLP
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