Five-yearly cervical cancer smear tests safe, study shows

SMEAR tests for cervical cancer can be safely carried out every five years, rather than every three, a major study has shown.

The change is possible because NHS screening now tests for human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes 95 per cent of cervical cancer cases.

A study of 1.3 million women by King’s College London and Cancer Research UK found that screening at five-year intervals prevents as many cancers as testing every three years.

Just over one in 1,000 people who had a negative HPV screen developed lesions compared with 4.5 people per 1,000 who tested negative through the previous screening method which looked for cell changes.

England and Northern Ireland still test women aged between 25 and 49 every three years, but Wales and Scotland have moved to five years.

Dr Matejka Rebolj, the study’s lead author and senior epidemiologist at King’s said: “These results are very reassuring.

“Changing to five-yearly screening will mean we can prevent just as many cancers as before, while allowing for fewer screens.”

Usually, the immune system gets rid of HPV on its own but if it fails, abnormal cells can develop in the cervix and turn cancerous, a process that can take up to 15 years.

Before 2019, cytology tests, otherwise known as smear tests, checked cervical cells for abnormalities first. If any were found, some of the samples would then be tested for HPV.

Since 2019, smear tests have included HPV testing in the UK, except in Northern Ireland.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive at Cancer Research UK, said: “This large study shows that offering cervical screening using HPV testing effectively prevents cervical cancer, without having to be screened as often.

“As with any change to a screening programme, this will be monitored to ensure that cervical screening is as effective as possible for all who take part,” she added.

“It’s important to remember, screening is for people without symptoms. So, if you notice any unusual changes, do not wait for a screening invitation – speak to your doctor.”

The UK National Screening Committee, which advises ministers and the NHS, has recommended that tests be moved to five-year intervals and England is expected to implement the change shortly.

The research was published in the British Medical Journal.