Cervical screening for people with learning disabilities: Learning resource for sample takers (NHS Wessex Cancer Alliance)

Summary

Cervical cancer is preventable. By 2040 the NHS in England is aiming for a cervical cancer incidence rate of below 4 per 100,000 women (elimination status). To achieve this, we need to increase HPV vaccination rates and improve attendance for routine cervical screening particularly in younger people and underserved communities including patients with learning disabilities.

This learning resource from the NHS Wessex Cancer Alliance explains the misconceptions and barriers to cervical screening, the consent and best interest decisions, and the role of the sample taker and the reasonable adjustments that can be made.