New smear test that most women only need every 5 years

A NEW system for smear tests is to be introduced in Scotland from tomorrow – meaning many women will only need to undergo the intrusive procedure every five years.

The change is being hailed as a breakthrough in the fight against cervical cancer.

Women having a smear will now also be screened for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread through sexual contact and is the most common cause of cervical cancer.

If HPV is absent then another test will not be needed until five years’ time, as it is very rare for cancer to develop in HPV-free women within that period.

The tests, already used in England and Wales, were welcomed.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: ‘Introducing HPV testing as part of the main smear test will improve health outcomes for women and ultimately save more lives. The way the test is carried out will not change – so it’s important women still attend their cervical screening appointment when invited. It is normal to feel anxious, but going for your test is the best way of preventing cervical cancer.

‘It is important that those who have been vaccinated for HPV still go for screening because the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cancer. Women who are found to have HPV will be closely monitored and treated, meaning HPV is extremely unlikely to develop into cervical cancer.’

HPV is common and present in one in three people in the UK.

It causes cancer by changing the cells of the cervix.

If HPV is detected, but the cells have not changed, patients will be invited back for further screening in a year. However, high-risk HPV with changed cells would lead to further tests, a colposcopy, and treatment.

The new screening programme will cost the Scottish Government £2.7 million. Previously, most women had smear tests every three years.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust was set up in memory of Jo Maxwell, who died in 1999, and had struggled to find information about the disease. The charity’s chief executive, Robert Music, said: ‘We are fortunate to have cervical screening as it can stop cervical cancer before it starts and testing for HPV means we can identify those at risk much faster. This will help to prevent even more diagnoses.

‘It’s important that women understand the changes, such as moving to testing every five years, and that they feel comfortable with their results.’

Marion O’Neill, of Cancer Research UK, said: ‘The new method of testing is a more effective way of identifying those at risk of cervical cancer, so its introduction is good news.’

Andrew Buist, of the British Medical Association, said: ‘Screening for HPV during a smear test is a sensible precaution that, although could have come sooner, is welcome now.’

‘Screening can stop cancer before it starts’