A study published in the British Journal of Cancer states that many more lives of cervical cancer patients could possibly be saved if all the women who are eligible went for the screening. Researchers said the largest impact of screening was among women aged 50-64 years.

Cervical screening already prevents thousands of cervical cancers every year and as it continues to improve, even more women are expected to avoid this disease by testing all samples for the human papilloma virus (HPV).

The screening consists of a smear test which searches the entrance of the womb for any abnormal cells. This gives the doctors a chance to eliminate the tissues that might become cancerous. It is important for everyone to remember that cervical cancer screening is for women without symptoms. Women who have any unusual or persistent bleeding, pain, or change in vaginal discharge — even if they have been screened recently irrespective of their age should get it checked by doctors.

The researchers concluded that screening has an even larger impact on cervical cancer mortality than it has on incidence, and that if everyone attended screening regularly, 83% of cervical cancer deaths could be prevented. Screening is more effective at preventing death from cancer than preventing cancer itself.