HPV tests reduces unnecessary cervical screening

Testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) has reduced the number of women going on for further unnecessary tests, according to research published in the British Journal of Cancer today. This forms the first phase of HPV testing that has been rolled out since April as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.

Led by the Institute of Cancer Research, the study focused on over 10,000 women aged 25-64. Those whose first smear test had shown mild or borderline abnormalities in the cervix were then tested for HPV. The results showed that around 35% were HPV negative and were able to return to routine screening.

Women with a positive HPV test result were then referred for a colposcopy without having to go through further smear tests. While most women infected with HPV do not develop cervical cancer, the virus is a major cause of the disease.

Study author Dr Sue Moss said: “Our study shows that adding HPV testing significantly reduces the number of women sent for more invasive tests, when in fact they do not have any serious cervical changes.”

Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “This is a welcome refinement to the highly effective cervical screening programme. This change has already saved thousands of women an anxious wait for extra tests and results, and should help lead to a more efficient screening programme.”

Professor Julietta Patnick CBE, director of the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, said: “By incorporating HPV testing into our current screening programme in this way, we will be able to significantly reduce the number of repeat cytology tests required and to target our colposcopy services more effectively. This is an important development in our programme enabling us to screen women more effectively and efficiently, reducing unnecessary procedures and minimising any associated anxiety.”

The use of HPV testing is currently being incorporated into the nationwide screening programme and will be fully rolled out within the next year.