NHS testing ‘could wipe out cervical cancer cases’

CERVICAL cancer has the potential to be eliminated thanks to improved testing and vaccination, NHS officials claim.

A new detection method rolled out last month looks for traces of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which cause nearly all cervical tumours.

A sample of cells is sent to the laboratory to check for the virus and women with HPV positive results are then referred for further checks which search for abnormal changes in the cervix.

The new technique means any sign of infection can be spotted at an earlier stage before cancer goes on to develop. Research has also shown that the new method picks up far more cases of pre-cancerous lesions than the old one. NHS England claims a quarter of new cases could be prevented by the method, which is carried out at the same time as the conventional smear test.

It says the technique, combined with the HPV jab, could see the disease eliminated. The jab, which protects against other forms of cancer as well as cervical, is offered to all girls and boys aged 12 and 13.

About 2,500 women are diagnosed with the disease every year in England and those aged 30 to 45 who are sexually active are most at risk.

Most cases are caused by one of 14 strains of the HPV virus, particularly HPV16 and HPV18, which are passed on through sexual contact.

Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer, said: ‘Screening is one of the most effective ways of protecting against cervical cancer and there is no doubt this new way of testing will save lives. It is vitally important that all eligible people attend their screening appointments.

‘Combined with the success of the HPV vaccine for both boys and girls, we hope that cervical cancer can be eliminated altogether by the NHS in England.’

Screening rates for cervical cancer are worryingly low and only 71.9 per cent of eligible women are up to date on their tests. Women aged 25 to 49 are offered the smear test every three years, with those aged 50 to 64 invited every five years.

Robert Music, of the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust charity, said: ‘Cervical screening is such an important test, but there are many reasons it can be difficult to attend.

‘We must continue to tackle these to ensure as many women benefit from this far more sensitive test and we save as many lives as possible.’

The charity also warns that women who are told they have the HPV infection are left feeling dirty and ashamed. It is concerned that the NHS is not prepared for the mental health consequences of its new testing method.

‘Eliminated altogether’