A major review into the smear test results of more than 17,000 women in the Southern Trust area has found no cases of cervical cancer.
The main review is now 99.54% complete and initial findings of the review confirm that the vast majority of previous smear results are unchanged and have been reconfirmed as normal.
In October 2023, the Southern Health Trust launched a precautionary cervical screening review for 17,543 women.
The review was carried out in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA) to check that the original result provided was correct.
To avoid any conflict of interest, the Southern Trust laboratory did not participate in review of cytology slides; this was undertaken in Belfast, Western and Northern Trust laboratories.
As expected, some low-grade abnormalities (around 300) and a very small number of higher grade abnormalities (fewer than five) have been found.
Identifying high-grade abnormalities does not mean cancer has been found, rather these are pre-cancerous cell changes that could progress to cancer if left unchecked or untreated. These women are being followed up by clinical staff with further investigation and management if required.
Dr Stephen Austin, Southern Trust Medical Director, said: “During the period 2008 – 2021, some of our screeners’ performance fell below the recognised standard. This was identified and actions were taken to deliver improvement. However, at times, the performance of some screeners did not reach the required standard despite having had additional training and support. This was not recognised and we apologise for this.
“The Cervical Cytology Review has been a significant undertaking but it has shown that, for the vast majority of women, their original result did not change. However, I am very mindful of the distress this process has caused over recent months and I apologise again to all those women affected.
“The review was carried out in a very comprehensive manner and I must thank laboratory colleagues across Northern Ireland for helping us to complete the work as quickly as possible. Cervical screening saves lives and it is essential that women continue to come forward for their cervical testing when invited to do so.”
Next Steps
Work has commenced on a comprehensive outcomes report to detail findings from the review. It is expected that the report will be completed in the autumn.
Each year in Northern Ireland, around 80 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and tragically there are approximately 21 deaths.
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