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<p>The best independent evidence shows that routine screening of women under 25 actually
does more harm than good. Cervical cancer in women under the age of 25 is very rare
and younger women often undergo natural and harmless changes in the cervix that screening
would identify as abnormalities, resulting in many false negatives.</p><p>We offer
vaccination to girls to protect against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which protects
against 70 per cent of cervical cancers and which is expected to reduce the already
low rates of cervical cancer in these young women and allow them to be protected for
years to come.</p><p>Young women with symptoms of cervical cancer, largely unusual
bleeding particularly after sex, should see their GP and be referred to a gynecologist
if clinically appropriate.</p><p>My Rt Hon Friend the Minister for Women and Equalities
has no plans to discuss this issue with the Secretary of State for Health and Social
Care<em>.</em></p>
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