A cervical smear is not an adequate check for a DES daughter as concentration on the cervix may mean vaginal abnormalities may be missed. DES daughters should receive annual DES examinations: smears taken from the vagina and cervix, colposcopy (examination by microscope of these areas), a full pelvic examination and an iodine test to identify areas of adenosis. Adenosis is a type of tissue not usually found in the vagina which may cause a discharge. It can revert to normal tissue but it should be monitored as changes may indicate the beginnings of CCAC. It is not known how many people in the UK are DES exposed but, on a pro rata basis with research done in the Netherlands and in America, the total number of people exposed in the UK may be as high as 300,000. In the UK, DES was generally known as stilboestrol. However, it was sold under many brand names and was administered in both tablet and injection form, in various doses, for varying amounts of time.

Although the use of DES is now contraindicated during pregnancy neither the medical profession nor the lay person are generally aware of the consequences of exposure to DES. DES is considered to be an issue of the past and current health problems and needs of those exposed to it are generally ignored. DES related cases of CCAC are rare and can be treated when detected early - however, as DES daughters are at risk of developing CCAC until at least their early 40s, cases may occur well beyond the year 2010.