Your questions answered

Does the new test mean I can do away with that speculum vaginal examination?

Sadly, no. The new test will sample the cervix using the same collecting procedure as the Pap smear, but instead of looking for changes in the cells it will be looking for the presence of cancer-causing types of HPV.

What is HPV?

HPV is human papillomavirus. Several types of this virus have been shown to be the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer. HPV can also cause HPV-related throat cancer and anal cancer. It can be transmitted by vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who carries the virus.

I had the HPV vaccination when I was at school. Do I still need to have screening?

If you had the HPV vaccine, you are still advised to have cervical screening because the HPV vaccine covers some but not all of the virus types which cause cervical cancer.

What if HPV is found in my sample?

If any of the cancer-causing HPV subtypes are found, further testing will be done on the same sample to look for abnormal precancerous cells.

What if I have symptoms?

A cervical screening test is designed to identify problems in your cervix when you do not have symptoms. There are some symptoms which should trigger an urgent visit to your doctor:

● Abnormal bleeding

● Vaginal discharge

● Pain in the vulval, vaginal or pelvic regions

When can I stop screening?

Women aged 70 to 74 years who have been having regular screening will be invited to have a so-called “exit test”, a final test which will determine whether there is any

HPV present and, if not, you can choose to stop screening.