Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January to Question 10306 on Cervical Cancer: Health Education, if she will make it her policy to provide smear tests for women aged 25 and younger who (a) request one and (b) are experiencing abnormalities.

Cervical screening is not recommended for women below the age of 25 years old, as cervical cancer is rare in under-25s. Screening at a younger age can lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful investigations and treatments.

Women of any age who are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding between periods or after sex, pain or discomfort during sex, or abnormal vaginal discharge should see their general practitioner. They may be offered a pelvic examination and referral to colposcopy or gynaecology if needed.