Risks of cervical cancer to over 65s highlighted

There is a perception that cervical cancer is a young woman's disease, but almost half of deaths occur in women over 65, a British Medical Journal report says.

It argues that the age limit for cervical screening should be raised to 70 and older women should be targeted in health campaigns.

The NHS cervical screening programme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland stops sending invitations for cervical screening after a woman reaches 65, although they can request to be screened after that time.

In Scotland, women between the ages of 20 and 60 are screened, but this will change to come into line with England's programme in April 2016.

Jane Dreaper reports.