Cancer diagnosis from a smear test improves survival chances
A recent study from Sweden has suggested that women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer as a result of a smear test are more likely to be cured than those who diagnosed as a result of their symptoms.
The researchers looked at over 1,200 women who were diagnosed with cervical cancer between 1999 and 2001.
The results indicated that 92% of women who were diagnosed with cervical cancer after a smear test were cured. This level fell to 74% if they were diagnosed after showing symptoms of cancer in between their scheduled smear tests.
However, for women who were overdue a smear test and diagnosed with cervical cancer after displaying symptoms, the survival rate fell to 60%.
The researchers point out that a smear test was more likely to find cancer in its early stages and these are easier to cure. They argue that not only does it increase the chances of survival, it also helps reduce the risk of cancer.
In England and Northern Ireland, women between 25 and 49 are invited to attend a smear test every three years. For those aged between 50 and 64, it’s every five years. In Wales, all women between 20 and 64 are invited every three years, whilst in Scotland women between 20 and 60 are invited every three years.
NHS figures suggest around 20% of women in the UK decline a smear test.
Charities have raised some concerns that there is a downward trend in smear test attendance and are calling for targeted campaigns to help address the issue. It is estimated that every year, smear tests save 5,000 lives in the UK.