Cervical screening improved to check for HPV

Women who undergo screening for cervical cancer will now be tested for the Human Papilloma Virus.

The Department of Health is changing the routine smear test process to include a test for HPV at the same time.

High risk types of HPV are the cause of the majority of cervical cancers and the new test will mean any abnormalities found can be treated before becoming dangerous.

As both screening tests are done from a single sample introducing this test will not need any additional funding from the department.