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Hope over smear test alternative | Hope over smear test alternative |
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A test for the common sex infection human papillomavirus (HPV) may be better at screening for cervical cancer than smear tests, a study suggests. | A test for the common sex infection human papillomavirus (HPV) may be better at screening for cervical cancer than smear tests, a study suggests. |
London's Hammersmith Hospital found testing for HPV was so sensitive it only needed to be done every six years - compared to three years for smears. | London's Hammersmith Hospital found testing for HPV was so sensitive it only needed to be done every six years - compared to three years for smears. |
The study of 3,000 women also showed that HPV testing was more accurate, the International Journal of Cancer said. | The study of 3,000 women also showed that HPV testing was more accurate, the International Journal of Cancer said. |
But experts warned more research was needed before changes to screening. | But experts warned more research was needed before changes to screening. |
There are many different types of HPV strains and between them they are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer cases. | There are many different types of HPV strains and between them they are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer cases. |
I think the evidence is almost there to start using HPV testing instead of smears Professor Jack Cuzick, lead researcher | |
UK health chiefs have responded by agreeing to the roll-out of an HPV vaccination programme for schoolgirls from this autumn. | UK health chiefs have responded by agreeing to the roll-out of an HPV vaccination programme for schoolgirls from this autumn. |
But for a number of years researchers have been looking at whether an HPV test could replace smear testing, which is carried out in women aged 25 to 65. | But for a number of years researchers have been looking at whether an HPV test could replace smear testing, which is carried out in women aged 25 to 65. |
Previous studies have also found it is a more effective test, although some believe it should be used in combination with smear testing rather than as a replacement. | Previous studies have also found it is a more effective test, although some believe it should be used in combination with smear testing rather than as a replacement. |
Smear tests look for abnormal cells, whereas the HPV test looks for signs that the cancer-causing virus is present. However, the presence of either does not mean cancer is present or set to develop. | Smear tests look for abnormal cells, whereas the HPV test looks for signs that the cancer-causing virus is present. However, the presence of either does not mean cancer is present or set to develop. |
Smear testing can also miss cancer and therefore screening is not a perfect system - although more cervical cancers are thought to develop from people failing to have smear tests than getting false results. | Smear testing can also miss cancer and therefore screening is not a perfect system - although more cervical cancers are thought to develop from people failing to have smear tests than getting false results. |
Risk | Risk |
In the latest study, researchers carried out both HPV tests and smear tests on women aged 35 and over attending cervical cancer screening at 40 GP surgeries. | In the latest study, researchers carried out both HPV tests and smear tests on women aged 35 and over attending cervical cancer screening at 40 GP surgeries. |
Results showed that the risk of developing cervical abnormalities at one, five and nine years after a normal smear test was 0.33%, 0.83% and 2.2%. | Results showed that the risk of developing cervical abnormalities at one, five and nine years after a normal smear test was 0.33%, 0.83% and 2.2%. |
For a negative HPV test, it was 0.19%, 0.42% and 1.88%. | For a negative HPV test, it was 0.19%, 0.42% and 1.88%. |
The research also showed that the while the protection offered by a smear tests wanes after three years, HPV testing, which is carried out in the same way, lasted for six years. | The research also showed that the while the protection offered by a smear tests wanes after three years, HPV testing, which is carried out in the same way, lasted for six years. |
Lead researcher Professor Jack Cuzick said: "I think the evidence is almost there to start using HPV testing instead of smears for women, using smear testing when HPV is found." | |
But the study admitted more research was needed, particularly on the effectiveness for younger women and the cost effectiveness. | But the study admitted more research was needed, particularly on the effectiveness for younger women and the cost effectiveness. |