This week is cervical cancer prevention week, which comes close on the heels of an NHS pledge to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
The NHS plan is to make it as easy as possible for people to access the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and also to increase the uptake of cervical screening. As a specialist medical negligence solicitor who supports those who have suffered as a result of failings in cancer care, this news is very welcome.
According to a recent research review in the BMJ, half of all cases of cervical cancer in the UK are diagnosed in women whose cervical screening is not up to date. This is a worrying statistic and a reminder to everyone with a cervix to attend their screening.
Dr Julie Sharp from Cancer Research UK says the 2040 elimination ambition 'will only be possible if the vaccination and screening programmes are backed by sufficient resource and modern infrastructure’. The charity has also raised concerns that many women have a knowledge gap in relation to HPV and its role in cervical screening.
HPV is a virus that can cause cervical cancer. However, though it is a common infection, it is in fact rare for HPV to lead to the disease. Cervical screening aims to prevent the development of cancer by testing cells from the cervix periodically in people who have no symptoms. HPV primary testing was introduced into the screening programme in 2019. Samples are first analysed for HPV and if this is found then they are further analysed to check for cell changes that could lead to cancer if left untreated.
Raising awareness
It is extremely important to raise awareness in order to increase cervical screening take up. According to Cancer Research UK, Professor of Cancer Behavioural Science, Jo Waller says that ‘improving awareness can help reduce feelings of uncertainty and confusion about cervical screening results’.
There have been studies looking at the potential success rates of DIY kits, enabling people to take samples themselves at home, and it is possible that in the future self-sampling may be offered as part of the national screening programme.
In addition to the 2040 ambition, last year brought further positive news in the fight against cervical cancer. Researchers funded by Cancer Research UK found that changing how existing drugs are used – giving patients a short course of chemotherapy before starting standard treatment – cuts the risk of death or disease recurrence by 35 percent.
Medical negligence and cervical cancer
As medical negligence lawyers, here at Kingsley Napley we support people when something has gone wrong and their cancer was not diagnosed in time or not treated correctly. Delays in diagnosis of cervical cancer can be extremely serious and can leave people, including those who are young, with untreatable disease. Our clinical negligence team are specialists in bringing cancer claims.
Cervical cancer compensation
If you have suffered a worse outcome as a result of negligence in the diagnosis or treatment of cervical cancer then you may be entitled to compensation including for your pain and suffering, lost earrings, private treatment, future losses and care needs. A specialist lawyer can explain fully what is involved with bringing a claim. More information can be found on our Cervical Cancer Claims and Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims webpages.
Further Information
If you have any questions or concerns about the topics raised in this blog, please contact Kirsty Allen or any member of the Medical Negligence team.
About the Author
Kirsty Allen is a highly experienced medical negligence solicitor who undertakes a wide variety of cases with particular specialisms in child cerebral palsy and adult brain injury cases, fatal claims, loss of sight cases, as well as failure to diagnose cancer and gynaecological claims.
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