Each year, approximately 73,000 cell samples are taken in Östergötland, where all women between the ages of 23 and 70 are called gynecological cell sampling.

- Most tests are normal and it is unusual for cell changes to be cancerous. But it is important to go on the checks regularly so that cell changes can be detected and treated in a timely manner, says Åsa Råsbrink, head of care at Kvinnohälsan in Linköping, in a press release.

The Östergötland region believes that the HPV analysis will result in more precursors of cell changes being found, which will then reduce the number of cancer cases.

Should reduce the risk further

According to statistics, the risk of cervical cancer in women who regularly go to gynecological cell sampling is reduced by 88 percent. That figure is expected to increase to 95 percent with the new method.

- HPV is spread through sexual contacts and is common. Therefore, more people will now receive answers that show the presence of HPV but that they do not have cell changes. If you do not have cell changes, it is sufficient that you come to the next cell test control, says Maria Åkerlund, head of care unit at Kvinnohälsan in Norrköping.

Many girls now vaccinate against HPV, but the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that cause cancer. Therefore, it is important to take cell samples even after vaccination.

New time intervals for cell samples

The time intervals for cell sampling will change as the new method is introduced:

  • Women between the ages of 23 and 29 are called every three years. Analyzed for HPV only if cell changes are found.
  • Women between the ages of 30 and 49 are called every three years. Analyze for HPV, then examine the sample for cell changes.
  • Women between the ages of 50 and 70 are called every seven years. Analyze for HPV, then examine the sample for cell changes.