International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

More needs to be done to raise awareness of cervical cancer among young women, it has been suggested.

According to Rob Music, director of UK-based cancer charity Jo's Trust, women aged between 25 and 34 are often difficult to reach in order to offer support and guidance.

He said that different ways of raising awareness are needed for this particular age group, including using the media to make more women aware of the risks.

Mr Music added: "There is a constant need to reach the latter group of people about the importance of going for cervical screening."

He said that if women have any symptoms that they are worried about, they should go to see a health professional.

If the doctor is concerned by what they see, they should refer the patient straight to a gynaecologist, Mr Music stated.

According to the Cervical Screening Programme, England 2008-09 report from the UK NHS, the number of eligible women aged 25 to 64 being screened rose by just under 12 per cent during 2008, from 3.2 million to 3.6 million.