Northern Ireland has announced a new improved primary HPV cervical screening programme in an effort to curb cervical cancer.
There are around 3,200 new cervical cancer cases in the UK every year, with the highest incidence rates being in the 30 to 34 age group.
The cervical screening test aims to pick up changes early that could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated. The test checks for an infection called HPV – the cause of most cervical cancers.
Northern Ireland’s new cervical screening programme is hoped to be enhanced by the full introduction of primary HPV testing, which is more sensitive than cytology-based screening.
Dr Joanne McClean, director of public health at the Public Health Agency (PHA), described the move as a “significant milestone”.
McCleane told the BBC the screening programme would “increase ability to detect early cell changes that could lead to cancer”.
From this week, all smear tests will be checked for the high-risk types of HPV in the first instance. If the virus is found to be present, the sample will then go for further examination.
This removes the need for all samples to also undergo cytology which can be time consuming and can clog up the screening system.
The initiative, which follows a BBC News Northern Ireland revelation in September that more than 7,000 women across the country were waiting three to six months for results, aims to improve the effectiveness of Northern Ireland’s screening programme and help facilitate the removal of the current backlog for reporting smear test results.
McClean said: “It is essential that women keep coming forward for their cervical smear test when invited to do so. This will continue to save lives.”
Martin Hunt, chief executive at Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said the move was “brilliant”.
“This more sensitive and effective test would help identify those at a high-risk from an early stage and would prevent more cervical cancers and save lives,” he added.
To receive the Femtech World newsletter, sign up here.
Newsletter
Sign up for free weekly updates
The latest femtech news, research and investment, straight to your inbox.
