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<p>Prevention and early diagnosis of cancer are key priorities for this Government,
and we are already working closely with NHS England and Public Health England to address
the issues this useful report highlights.</p><p> </p><p>These include a national mitigation
plan whereby a majority of existing HPV pilot sites have converted more of their cervical
screening activity to human papilloma virus (HPV) primary screening. This has freed
up cytology capacity which has been used for laboratories experiencing backlogs and
therefore, samples have been transferred across the country. This has also been replicated
amongst non-pilot sites who have converted to HPV primary screening when all other
options for reducing their backlog have not proved successful.</p><p> </p><p>Most
recently, a national resilience plan has been introduced whereby all existing laboratories
have been given the opportunity to implement, as soon as possible, HPV primary screening
prior to the conclusion of a procurement for new laboratory providers. Existing laboratory
providers will continue this provision throughout the whole transitional period up
to and following the commencement of the new service.</p><p> </p><p>As per the ministerial
commitment, full geographical coverage of HPV primary screening within the NHS Cervical
Screening Programme will be achieved by the end of December 2019.</p><p> </p><p>Furthermore,
NHS England announced in November 2018 that Professor Sir Mike Richards will lead
a review of the national cancer screening programmes. The review, expected to report
by summer 2019 will include recommendations about future commissioning and delivery
of cancer screening programmes in England.</p>
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