Haywards Heath cancer victim blasts smear test decision (From The Argus)

Haywards Heath cancer victim blasts smear test decision

11:00am Saturday 27th June 2009 in

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A woman diagnosed with incurable cervical cancer after being refused a smear test has accused the government of signing a death warrant for future victims.

Katie Brickell says she is disgusted at the decision not to lower the cancer screening age from 25 to 20 despite a major campaign calling for change.

Mrs Brickell, 25, of Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, was told she had cancer in March 2006.

She had asked for a smear test twice in the four years before her diagnosis but doctors said she was too young.

Mrs Brickell went through months of gruelling treatment including a hysterectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She has responded well to treatment and is now working again in London.

A review was carried out by the independent Advisory Committee on Cervical Screening after many women began to ask about testing following the death of reality TV star Jade Goody.

The committee voted unanimously for no change because it said earlier screenings would do “more harm than good”.

Some experts believe women should have their first test as soon as they become sexually active.

However the committee said a high proportion of cell abnormalities in under 25s usually revert to normal without treatment and that screenings would throw up too many false results.

Earlier screenings are still carried out in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Mrs Brickell said: “This decision is appalling. I was almost in tears when I heard.

“The review used figures based on 2005 when 56 women under 25 were diagnosed.

“Four years have not passed and we know cases of cancer in general are on the increase so it is likely a lot more women will be at risk.

“Not allowing them to be tested is effectively signing a death warrant for them.

“It is ridiculous that in other countries people can be screened if they want but they can't in England.

“I'm doing very well at the moment but there is no cure for me. My story just shows why it is important women can be checked.”

Mrs Brickell said she was planning to write to Health Minister Ann Keen to outline her concerns.

The government is running a vaccination campaign in which all girls aged between 12 and 18 are given a jab which protects against HPV, the sexual infection which causes most cases of cervical cancer.

Ms Keen said: “I asked the committee io carry out a review into the cervical screening age because I wanted to make sure that our guidelines are based on the latest available clinical evidence.

“'The committee have concluded that the screening age should not be lowered but have recommended that we do more work around the treatment of patients.

“I fully support this conclusion and look forward to beginning this important new work to ensure women with cervical cancer are diagnosed at the earliest possible opportunity.”