That this House has considered e-petition 225767 relating to lowering the age for smear tests for cervical cancer from 25 to 18.
It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Roger. Before I move to the substance of the debate, I want to …..." Helen Jones - View Speech
"I will answer that point in a moment, because it is important that we look at the evidence. There will always be some cases, even among women under 25. We can never eliminate the risk completely. When that happens, it is important they get the right treatment. That is why …..." Helen Jones - View Speech
"My hon. Friend makes a very good point and I will be asking the Minister to look at that. Our first problem is getting people through the door. If there is something wrong with us, it is natural to think either that it will somehow go away or that it …..." Helen Jones - View Speech
"Yes, and I hope those tests will be rolled out across the rest of Britain.
On the problem of women getting access to screening services, time and again they report that they ring their GP for an appointment that is then weeks ahead. Someone I met recently told me that, …..." Helen Jones - View Speech
"The hon. Gentleman is right. Women need to be assured that they will be treated sympathetically, whatever their age. All of us who have been to screening know that sometimes it is fine, but sometimes someone is a bit ham-fisted and it is not fine. It is better than getting …..." Helen Jones - View Speech
"The hon. Lady makes a good point. We need people to realise that women know their own bodies and know if something is wrong, so people must listen to what they say. There are too many examples of women having to pay for a private test before finding out they …..." Helen Jones - View Speech
"The hon. Gentleman is right, and it is not before time to have such an awareness campaign. However, it is no good having one unless we ensure that screening is easily available and that people are treated well when they go. That is vital, because one bad experience can put …..." Helen Jones - View Speech
"Will the Minister tell us whether that guidance includes educating young girls about the need to go for smear tests? Some of Natasha’s friends have forcefully made the point to me that if we do that, it may encourage girls to go for smear tests when they reach the age …..." Helen Jones - View Speech
"I thank the hon. Members who have participated in this debate. I have learned more about some of my colleagues than I ever thought I would. I cannot compete with their stories of recognition; the only thing that happened to me was after I had had a smear test, which …..." Helen Jones - View Speech