Abnormal cervix cells linked to risk of getting cancer later in life

This study highlights how important it is to keep an eye on women who've had abnormal cells in their cervix. In the UK, these women have follow-up screening tests and tests for the HPV infections that cause cervical cancer, to reduce the risk of the abnormal cells coming back."Robert Music, chief executive of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, said the study highlighted a need to look at the follow-up treatment of women with CIN3.Meanwhile, women over 50 are being urged to have regular smear tests after separate research studies by Cancer Research UK indicated that those who did not attend were six times more likely to develop cervical cancer than those whose test results were normal.In England and Northern Ireland women aged 25 to 49 are offered screening every three years, and every five years between 50 and 64.Julietta Patnick, director of the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, said women could control their risk of cervical cancer through regular screening."Any abnormalities that might be found can then be treated in order that they do not go on to develop into cancer. Where a cervical cancer is found through screening it is usually at a very early stage where treatment has a greater chance of success. It is essential that women are aware of this when deciding whether or not to be screened."CancerCervical cancerCancerMedical researchHealthWomenDenis Campbelltheguardian.com © 2014 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this c...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: The Guardian Cervical cancer News Health Medical research Society Women UK news Source Type: news