HPV testing followed by smear could improve cervical screening

Source: Cancer Research UK

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Date of publication: February 2012

Publication type: Press release

In a nutshell: A study in the Netherlands suggests that initial testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) in women, followed by a smear test in those who are found HPV positive, improves cervical screening. This approach to cervical screening could reduce unnecessary examinations and detect more significant cervical cell changes.

Length of publication: Webpage

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This press release reports on the article HPV DNA testing in population-based cervical screening (VUSA-Screen study): results and implications from the British Journal of Cancer.

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Primary screening for human papillomavirus compared with cytology screening for cervical cancer in European settings: cost effectiveness analysis based on a Dutch microsimulation model

Source: BMJ: British Medical Journal

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Date of publication: March 2012

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: A cost effectiveness analysis was carried out to establish whether European countries should screen for human papillomavirus (HPV) over cytology screening for detecting cervical cancer. The study revealed that HPV screening should be considered over primary cytology by most European countries.

Length of publication: 14 pages

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Two HPV tests better than one for cervical screening

Source: Cancer Research UK

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Date of publication: August 2011

Publication type: Press release

In a nutshell: A Swedish study showed that doing the Human papillomavirus (HPV) test twice with a short interval in between would reduce the number of women having unnecessary treatment. The study also suggested that home testing could increase the number of women screened.

Length of publication: Webpage

A new approach to cervical screening

Source: The Lancet Oncology

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Date of publication: June 2011

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: The present method of screening for cervical cancer – reading Pap smears for abnormal cells – has led to a decrease in incidence and mortality from cervical cancer. However, false-positive and false-negative readings happen regularly. The article discusses a new approach.

Length of publication: 2 pages

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Study shows HPV home testing could improve cervical screening uptake

Source: British Medical Journal

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Date of publication: March 2011

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: The study showed that 1 in 10 women who did not respond to invitations to attend cervical screening, did however respond to being sent a self sample HPV test. The study shows this method could be used to increase screening uptake.

Length of publication: Webpage

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HPV testing to be included in NHS cervical screening programme

Source: Cancer Research UK

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Date of publication: January 2011

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: The inclusion of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in the current NHS Cervical Screening Programme from April 2011 has been confirmed in the programme’s annual review, published on January 7th. The HPV test – which looks for the presence of certain high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus – will be offered to women with borderline or low-grade cervical abnormalities detected in the first round of cervical screening. Once HPV testing has been brought in, only those women with borderline changes who also test positive for HPV will be referred for a detailed colposcopy examination. This will reduce the number of women who undergo unnecessary procedures.

Length of publication: Webpage