Changes to cervical cancer screening could mean early signs are missed for ‘low-risk’ group 

The NHS has this month rolled out new cervical screening legislation, which means that younger women deemed to be at low risk of cervical cancer will be invited for screening every five years – down from what was previously a three-year interval. This presents the risk that many women within the affected age bracket (25-49) will not be given the opportunity to screen for cervical cancer for a number of years. 

The change is timely – considering that this week is Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Week.  

Here, we outline the experiences of some of the many women we have supported following negligent care, and highlight the importance of regular screening.  

Why regular cervical screening matters – even to low-risk groups 

We know there are approximately 3,200 people diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, and there are around 850 deaths from the disease each year. But we also know that 99.8% of cervical cancer cases are preventable – which is why attending regular screening is so important.  

The changes to cervical screening call-ups, from three years to five, will naturally mean that many women who were due to attend their routine screening will now be forced to wait. This could mean that early indicators of cervical cancer will not be spotted, and may therefore not be treated in a timely manner.  

The NHS explains that the move follows a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee, and is the approach already used for women aged 50 to 64 in England. 

Despite this, we have ourselves worked with many women who have suffered an avoidable cancer diagnosis, or have experienced negligent care during the screening process – which allowed their cancer to become more aggressive. These women were in this very same ‘low-risk’ age bracket, who will now only be invited to cervical screening every five years.  

This perhaps highlights the need for women to pay close attention to their gynaecological health, and to take action if they have concerns.  

Women should be empowered put their health first 

As the waiting time between cervical screenings increases, it perhaps becomes even more important for women to pay close attention to their gynaecological health. Every patient has the right to safe and appropriate healthcare. But patients should also be aware and mindful of their own health, and be empowered to take action if they feel something needs addressing.  

Ultimately, not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will display symptoms, but some signs may present in the following ways:  

• Vaginal discharge  

• Pain or discomfort during sex 

• Pain in the pelvis 

• Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, during or after sex, or any time after the menopause 

Despite the change to cervical screening timeframes, you have the right to discuss any unusual symptoms with your GP at any time. You can ask your GP to conduct a physical examination to visually assess your cervix to check for any changes, abnormalities or suspicious features – and can request cervical screening to be undertaken at any time in between your routine smear tests.  

You should not wait until your next routine cervical screening is due if you have symptoms. You should ensure that your symptoms are investigated immediately. Additionally, if you have concerns about waiting for an NHS screening, you also have the option to book a private screening with Bupa. 

We have discussed the importance of regular screening, as well as how women can prepare for their examination and minimise distress, with Doncaster-based GP, Jennifer Walmsley. You can read more about that here.  

Clients we have supported following cervical cancer negligence  

Client 1: Solicitor, Sophie McGarry supported a client who had attended her cervical screening test at 33 years old. The result of her test was incorrectly reported as normal, and was later found to have been misreported. Our client was diagnosed with cervical cancer and was forced to undergo a full hysterectomy, at child-bearing age. Our client was also treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy – which was understandably difficult for her to endure. By misreporting our client’s screening, there was a delay in diagnosing and treating her cervical cancer, which allowed time for the cancer to become more aggressive. 

We discuss this case in more detail with Sophie, here.

Client 2: Sophie McGarry’s team also supported a second client who had contacted her GP complaining of ongoing heavy and irregular vaginal bleeding. She consequently had a string of telephone GP appointments and her GPs failed to arrange a face-to-face appointment. The GP also failed to undertake a pelvic examination, including a speculum examination with visualisation of the cervix. Had an in-person examination been undertaken, as it should have been, this would have revealed a suspicious cervix and an urgent referral to the Gynaecology team should have been made. There was therefore a delay in diagnosing and treating our client’s cervical cancer, again allowing time for the cancer to develop further. 

Further reading around our cervical cancer cases 

Settlement secured following delay in cervical cancer diagnosis | Fletchers 
Lawyer: Tim Moulton | Fletchers Associate & Head of Clinical Negligence 
 
£60,000 NHS payout after cervical smear results failure – Fletchers 
Lawyer: Kate Lozynska Kate Lozynska | Associate & Clinical Negligence Solicitor 

If you have concerns about waiting for an NHS appointment, you have the option to book a private screening with Bupa. 

More about negligent care related to cervical cancer.