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 

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