HPV screening introduced as part of smear tests

Women in Guernsey will be screened for the HPV virus during their smear tests to help identify if they are more at risk of cervical cancer.

From the 1st August 2018 women invited for a routine cervical screening will now automatically be screened using HPV testing.

However, it is also important to note that women of any age who have symptoms such as unusual bleeding, discharge and pain should see their GP immediately.

The Human Papillomaviruses can cause changes to cells in the cervix, which can develop into cervical cancer. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.

The latest medical and scientific evidence shows that HPV testing is more effective at detecting cervical abnormalities at an earlier stage andcan therefore identify those women at higher risk of cervical cancer sooner. Countries such as England, Australia and the Netherlands are also implementing HPV testing as their method for cervical screening.