Will these new guidelines help doctors spot cervical abnormalities?

New guidance will help GPs to identify symptoms and diagnose cervical cancer in young women, according the Department of Health.

The Advisory Committee on Cervical Screening recently recommended that the age for cervical screening should remain at 25 to 64 years because cervical cancer occurs in only about 50 women under 25 every year.

However, it is still diagnosed late in many cases because patients often face a delay of four to six months before receiving a full pelvic examination.

Health minister Ann Keen said: "This new guidance will support GPs and practice nurses to identify symptoms and refer where necessary to specialist services."

The guidelines are intended to provide doctors with an easy-to-follow algorithm to assist in the management of young women and re-emphasise existing procedures around gynaecological symptoms.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer after breast cancer in women under 35, according to Cancer Research UK.

Click here for more information on cervical cancer symptoms.