Are You Aware of the Cervical Screening Changes?
From December 1st 2017 cervical screening changed from a 2 yearly Pap test to a five yearly HPV test now called the CST (Cervical Screening Test).
Why has cervical screening changed?
We now know that 99% of cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with types 16 and 18 of HPV. Usually HPV infections are cleared by the body but these types of HPV can lead to the development of cancers. By switching to a test that looks for these and other specific types of HPV, we can detect the presence of these HPV infections often before any cellular changes have taken place.
All women between 25 and 45 are eligible for regular HPV testing. Additional testing in certain circumstances include women who experience any abnormal bleeding and young women who were sexually active before they received the HPV vaccination.
Once testing is complete, the laboratory sends the result to the doctor with a risk category that indicates when you should have your next test.
Remember that women of any age who experience symptoms including pain, bleeding or discharge should see their doctor or healthcare professional.
