The earlier the screen, the better

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of human papilloma virus; early sexual intercourse predisposes; multiple partners or. "links"; relationship with HIV infection; "UK's sexual revolution” and sexual ...
The earlier the screen, the better I have always wondered why the age for cervical screening is 25 years, yet in Scotland and Wales it is 20 years of age, just after the teenage period. Why is that so? With known facts and risks that cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women in the UK; there are 24,000 abnormal screens every year; 100 types of human papilloma virus; early sexual intercourse predisposes; multiple partners or "links"; relationship with HIV infection; "UK's sexual revolution” and sexual culture is reason enough. With almost 900,000 cases of sexually transmitted infections, the earlier the screen, the better! I would definitely go for 20 years of age, even if it is just to make one diagnosis. The agony, excruciating pain and suffering that these patients go through in their terminal stages is torture. Edwin Competing interests: None declared Competing interests: No competing interests