Cervical cancer screening: Five-yearly HPV test replaces two-yearly pap smear

WOMEN will need to have cervical cancer tests only once every five years instead of every two with the release of a new, more sensitive test which could actually help prevent the disease.

WOMEN will need to have cervical cancer tests only once every five years instead of every two with the release of a new, more sensitive test that is expected to prevent up to one in three from developing the deadly disease.

The new human papillomavirus (HPV) test, which replaces the pap smear, is available from today and will involve the same procedure.

Cervical cancer is the 14th most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and this year it is predicted a further 912 cases will be diagnosed in Australia.

The cancer can be deadly, although between 2009-2013, the five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with cervical cancer was about 70 per cent. In 2014, there were 223 deaths from cervical cancer in Australia. In 2017, it is estimated this will increase to 254 deaths.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the new test was more accurate and effective.

“The new HPV test will prevent up to 30 per cent more women from developing cervical cancer because it detects HPV, an early risk indicator for cervical cancer,’’ Mr Hunt said.

The current pap smear test detects cervical abnormalities after they occur.

“The new test is more effective than the current pap test so most women will only need to be tested every five years, instead of every two.

“Women who are 25 years or older should have their first cervical screening test two years after their last pap test. If no HPV is detected, they can then move to a test every five years.”

He said while cervical cancer was one of the most preventable cancers, women were not being screened enough.

“About 80 per cent of Australian women who develop cervical cancer do not get screened regularly as recommended, or have never been screened,’’ Mr Hunt said.

Gardasil 9, a vaccine that protects women from four strains of HPV, will next year be offered through the national immunisation program as part of the school-based vaccination program.

Gardasil was invented by University of Queensland Professor Ian Frazer. The university and Professor Frazer have waived millions of dollars in royalties to ensure the vaccine can reach developing countries.

Millions of doses of Gardasil have been given to women in about 120 countries.

Originally published as Cervical cancer screening: Five-yearly HPV test replaces two-yearly pap smear