The dishonesty and vested interests in these programs is quite frightening and it's all very political. Those urging screening are usually protecting their jobs, influence/power base, profits or chasing votes.

At least the UK has some amazing advocates for informed consent, we have no high profile advocates protecting women from harm, warning us of risk and keeping these programs honest and ethical. These programs IMO, are harmful and there to serve the interests of others, not women.

Informed consent is a joke...for women. It's respected in prostate screening.

I hope some of this filters down here, but with no one saying or doing anything, I fear nothing will change - we'll keep over-screening for cervical cancer and harming as many women as possible and we'll keep risk and controversy hidden in both programs - in favour of reaching political goals and targets.

Thank heavens for the internet - I don't participate in either program. I examine the facts and assess my risk profile and I always assume anything the screening authorities say is biased and in THEIR best interests and sadly, I'm usually right.