The researchers reviewed 34 trials examining smear collection devices in their study. Britain has been rocked in recent years by a series of problems with its cervical screening program. Women have died or required further treatment and surgery after early signs of cancer were missed in the tests due to human error. Britain's Imperial Cancer Research Fund welcomed the findings but said women should not be worried about the quality of their current smears. Dr Anne Szarewski, the fund's clinical research fellow, said in a statement.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women.
If the disease is detected early, before it spreads beyond the cervix, it is curable in most cases. Doctors have also recommended that a new test which detects a virus linked to cancer be used along with the Pap smear for women with abnormal or borderline smear tests. Select this to return to top of page. It is not engaged in providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided on NCCC should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease.