But until this latest report no-one knew how common they were. Between 1993 and 2000 Leicester was a snapshot of the whole country. 324 women had two routine smear tests at the normal five-year interval. In 84 cases the first test was negative but should have been positive. And 14 women died who might not have.
Experts admit the test is flawed but say screening still saves many lives.
But they are not ready yet. This report is not about a scandal in Leicestershire, but in a way it is much more disturbing than any scandal could be. Because it shows the standard screening test for cervical cancer is deeply flawed. Screening still does save lives, but there is plenty of room for improvement.