Dr Bryan Betty: Cervical cancer prevention and HPV screening in NZ

In 2023, New Zealand made a very important switch, moving from traditional cervical screenings to HPV screenings. Since then, cervical screening rates have increased significantly – particularly as a result of self-screening.     What is HPV screening?   170 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed per year, but there are only 50 deaths per year – it’s preventable   HPV screening tests are for ‘Human papillomavirus’, the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers   It has replaced the traditional smear (cytology) test in cervical screening program   It’s recommended for women aged 25–69, every five years if the HPV test is negative   It’s a simple self-test vaginal swab   If HPV is detected, further testing such as a cervical smear or there will be a referral straight to specialist       Why HPV screening is better than traditional cervical screening?   It detects the cause, not just the changes.   The old smear test looked for abnormal cells, while the HPV test detects the virus that causes the changes that lead to cervical cancer   This means the earlier identification of risk   HPV testing is significantly more accurate at detecting the risk of cervical cancer – fewer cases are missed compared to cytology   It’s safe to screen every five years instead of three       What are the other advantages?   It reduces barriers to testing; it’s less invasive, less embarrassing, and there’s less discomfort   More women are taking up screening as result   International evidence shows HPV screening detects more pre-cancer earlier and leads to greater reductions in cervical cancer rates       The take home message?   HPV screening is a more accurate, earlier, and more effective way to prevent cervical cancer   It allows longer intervals, self-testing, and better access   It’s a major step forward from traditional smear-based programmes   See your doctor or nurse to talk about it    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.