The impact of policy and screening on cervical cancer in England

There has been a significant statistical decrease in the incidence of cervical cancer since screening programmes have been introduced. This article will explore and evaluate the impact of the Cancer Reform Strategy on cervical screening in England, which preceded the Government's policy for cancer care announced in January 2011. The Strategy raised the initial age of screening from 20 to 25 years of age. This left a group of the population who could not access screening while also not being eligible for vaccines against cervical cancer. Although this caused concern for many people, the media coverage and reaction to the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine and the death of Jade Goody, for example, encouraged women to consider cervical screening. The barriers to screening have been identified but overall the Cancer Reform Strategy was found have a positive impact both economically and socially. The Strategy has led the way for the Government's policy for cancer care, which needs to continue achieving the same positive outcomes.