The UK can still do better with cervical screening awareness and early diagnosis
10 July, 2023
The government recently published its mandate for NHS England. One of the government’s aims is to improve 1-year and 5-year survival for all types of cancers, and the NHS Long Term Plan goal that 55,000 more individuals diagnosed in 2028 will live for five years or longer. Another objective is to raise early diagnosis with the NHS Long Term Plan ambition to detect 75% of malignant tumours at stage 1 and 2 by 2028.
The mandate instructed the public health service to continue growing diagnostic ability through community diagnostic centres and select high risk people, so that at least 75% of patients referred instantly get a diagnosis within a month. It also stated that hospitals should make sure cancer sufferers have use of quality tailored care that meets their needs throughout treatment and follow up, as well as continuing to track the quality of life of those with the disease.
Two weeks ago was Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, this type of cancer is the 14th most common cancer in females in the UK with the 34–45 year-old sexually active age group being most impacted. In the UK, all people with a cervix from the age of 25 to 64 receive a letter to book an appointment at their local GP.
When looking at what other countries are doing to tackle this global epidemic, Australia is set to become the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer if it hits its 2035 target. Australia’s proactive approach includes the country’s National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) which delivers congruent patient information to advise clinical practice and encourage reporting around the country.
The Australian healthcare system invites individuals to get tested at their local general practice, it also sends out home kits for those not comfortable with being assessed by a nurse. The digital sharing of data involving the overall screening sphere of healthcare providers and test centres, and the NCSR, means better connectivity. Australia has also set up state testing for malignant tumours of the breast, cervix, and bowel – which are consistent, can be easily used, and is methodical.
The UK is making progress but there is still more to do. NHS England data shows that the highest proportion of women in ten years (4.6 million women aged 25 to 64 in England) have never been screened for cervical cancer or are not up to date with their tests.
Increasing public awareness through online workshops and by sending out letters to those who do not have internet access can make a difference. By doing this, more women will be able to spot warning signs, recognising the common symptoms. During Cervical Screening Awareness Week, we saw an opportunity to recognise the steps that have been taken, but another to accept that more progress can be made.