Is It Time to Introduce HPV Self-Sampling for Primary Cervical Cancer Screening?

Source: JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: January 2012

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: In the United Kingdom, there is thought to be a decline in the routine cervical screening program participation to below its target rate of 80%, particularly among women aged 25–29 years, for various factors. Research suggests self-collected vaginal specimens from women who have received appropriate instruction produce human papillomavirus (HPV) test results similar to cervical specimens collected by health-care professionals.

Length of publication: 2 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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Older women sidestep embarassing cervical smear tests

Source: Cancer Research UK

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Date of publication: June 2011

Publication type: Press Release

In a nutshell: Research from the Cancer Research UK Behaviour Research Centre, published in the BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, suggests older women avoid attending smear tests because of embarrassment and fear of pain, while younger women are too busy.

Length of publication: Webpage

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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