Health rules must only be guidelines

IN the UK, only women over the age of 25 are offered smear tests.

The logic is clear. NHS budgets and cutbacks mean at-risk groups are prioritised while those at low-risk are not — and the vast majority of women under the age of 25 fit into the latter category.

But there are exceptions. Some women in their teens develop cervical cancer, so there is a strong argument that the age should be lowered.

What is unforgivable is a case like that of Amber Cliff from Sunderland who, despite repeatedly asking for tests because she was showing symptoms, died from the disease at the age of 25.

She requested a smear test when she was just 21 because of worrying bleeding and abdominal pains but was told she was too young.

Finally, she paid for a private test but by then her cancer was terminal.

Rules are made to be broken — and never more so than when dealing with an individual’s health.

In fact, rules must only be guidelines, because just as every individual is unique, so is their health and exceptions must be made in exceptional circumstances.

It’s little wonder Amber’s family are campaigning for the minimum age for testing to be lowered.

It won’t bring her back but her loved ones are determined their loss results in the saving of other lives.