New cervical cancer test to be introduced

A new test to screen for cervical cancer is 'very good news' for women on the Island.

That's according to Director of Public Health, Dr Henrietta Ewart, following the news that the Isle of Man's cervical cancer screening programme will be updated on August 1.

The updated system will see women first be tested for HPV, as the majority of cervical cancers are caused by persistent HPV infection.

Dr Ewart added that the change is a 'breakthrough' in spotting and treating the disease earlier. 

Samples under the current system are screened for abnormal cells using cytology, and only tested for HPV if abnormalities are detected.