Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health whether there are any plans to expand screening programmes for early detection of cervical cancer.
Minister of Health: There are no plans to expand the programme eligibility criteria of the Cervical Screening Programme. Currently, the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme invites women aged between 25 and 49 years for screening every 3 years, and every 5 years for those aged between 50 and 64 years old.
Cervical screening is not a check for other cancers of the reproductive system, such as ovary, womb, vulval or vaginal cancer; and anyone who is symptomatic should contact a GP if they have concerns.
ENDS
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