Are GPs putting women at risk?

Young women showing symptoms of cervical cancer are having their chances of survival put at risk by doctors who do not examine them thoroughly enough, according to the Daily Mail.

Professor Mike Richards, the Department of Health's clinical director for cancer, said that family doctors are putting women who suffer from abnormal bleeding at risk by not giving them a full pelvic examination - which could help diagnose the disease early.

Furthermore, doctors have been sending patients for a smear test, which can take weeks before any results can be acted upon.

Professor Richards said that every year around 15,000 women aged 20 to 24 were failing to receive the pelvic examinations they are entitled to.

Jacqui Graves, from Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "We welcome new guidance recommending that GPs fast-track women for an immediate full pelvic examination on all suspected cases of cervical cancer."

Around 1,000 women die of cervical cancer every year in the UK.

Click here for more information on cervical cancer prevention.