2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:29 pm on 5 November 2019.

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Photo of Jenny Rathbone Jenny Rathbone Labour 2:29, 5 November 2019

I wanted to raise the important issue of cervical cancer screening. Last week, the latest figures showed that one in four women do not get tested for cervical cancer screening by getting a simple smear test. And, given that this is the biggest killer of young women, it is particularly concerning that, amongst young people in their 20s, the numbers are down to one in three not getting tested. This simple test is what can save people's lives. Also last week, it was reported at a science conference that a new urine test could replace the smear test, which would obviously be a lot less invasive. Women don't have to go to a medical centre to have it done. They just simply take a urine test and send it off from home. So, there's both positives and negatives arising out of this. No. 1, it would be great if we could have a statement from the health Minister as to when he thinks this urine test is likely to have completed the research test that will satisfy us that this can be used as an alternative to smear tests. Apparently, it's already proving to be more accurate. No. 2, could we also have a statement on how we are going to endeavour to get more women, particularly younger women, to come and get smear tests in the meanwhile?