145 women diagnosed with cervical cancer, after 300,000 free checks

More than 300,000 free cervical cancer checks were carried out between September 2009 and August 2010. Out of these, 145 women were diagnosed with the disease.

The National Cancer Screening Service has published the results of its CervicalCheck Programme for that period.

More than 85% of tests were deemed normal. 12.5% showed low-grade abnormalities, whilst 2% showed high grade abnormalities.

Women aged between 25 and 60 are eligible for the free test.