Cervical cancer: Commons to debate screenings age

The mother of woman who died at the age of 22 from cervical cancer has welcomed a move which could lead to women younger than 25 being screened for the disease.

The family of a woman from Oldbury who died of cervical cancer after being denied a smear test will see a Parliamentary debate on the issue take place today.

Jess Evans, 22, visited doctors nine times but was told she was too young to be tested, as routine screenings don't start until women reach 25.

Watch: mother campaigns for smear test to be lowered

The family of a 22-year-old woman who died from cervical cancer say she would have been here today if she had been given a smear test.

Jess Evans went to the doctors nine times asking to be tested, but was told she was too young, as routine screenings do not start until women reach 25.

Our health reporter Victoria Davies reports.

The family of a 22-year-old mother who died of cervical cancer have appealed for women to choose when they have a smear test.

Jessica Evans went to see her GP nine times but was not tested due to the NHS's minimum age of 25.

The NHS say screening women under 25 would do more harm than good as tests can produce inaccurate readings leading to unnecessary and harmful investigations and treatment.

Jess's mum has organised a petition to allow women under 25 the choice to have a smear test if they think it is necessary.

A 22-year-old from Oldbury died from cervical cancer after she was refused a smear test by doctors nine times, because she was under 25.

Jess Evans' mother is now campaigning to make doctors and members of the public aware of the symptoms.

Marie Evans has also started an e-petition to give under 25s with the cancer symptoms the choice as to whether they are tested.

The NHS say screening women under 25 would do more harm than good as abnormalities which will normally disappear on their own can be picked up.