Guidance to help GPs spot cancer

The Department of Health said GPs would receive a flow chart to remind them of the key symptoms and the necessary action in cases of suspected cervical cancer.

The guidance was drawn up after a working group into the issue found that women who visited their GP with abnormal bleeding experienced delay in diagnosis because they did not receive a full pelvic examination.

Health Minister Ann Keen said: "The independent advisory committee on cervical screening (ACCS) told us that screening women under the age of 25 did more harm than good, but that more work needs to be done to ensure patients with symptoms are treated correctly.

"That is why this new guidance will support GPs and practice nurses to identify symptoms and refer where necessary to specialist services." The guidance comes after TV reality star Jade Goody died aged 27 last March after a battle against cervical cancer.