About 550 women get cervical cancer every year in Sweden and 150 women die from the disease. Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, human papillomavirus.

Since 2015, the National Board of Health therefore recommends that women who are 30 years and older should primarily be tested for hpv, in their gynecological cell test. But SVT's review shows that only 13 out of 21 regions follow the recommendations - four years later.

The cancer secretary general says she was shocked when she saw the figures.

- It's inconceivable. We know this is something that saves lives. We know that this is a more accurate method for detecting cell changes in time, which means that women can actually be cured and become completely healthy, or live a long life, says Ulrika Årehed Kågström.

Previously, in a first study, they looked for cell changes, but by testing whether the cell sample gives rise to HPV infection, it is early possible to detect more women at risk of developing cervical cancer. This is called primary hpv analysis.

"Unable to defend"

The explanation is that all have not yet introduced primary hpv analysis, spelled out technical solutions, according to the regions. Among other things, updating IT systems has been complicated and time-consuming and resource-consuming.

- It is completely unacceptable that it may be such that one does not have a common IT system that prevents this introduction. You can't defend it.

Ulrika Årehed Kågström wants to see a national government that ensures that where you live in the country does not affect whether you get a reliable test or not during cell sampling.

Want to see vaccine for boys

In an interview with SVT News, Social Minister Lena Hallengren (S) has put pressure on the regions to resolve the situation. But Ulrika Årehed Kågström thinks that the government should do more.

- The government has not yet decided to introduce hpv vaccine for boys. Although there is already an investigation since two years ago that shows that this is something that should be introduced.

As of 2012, girls between the ages of 10 and 12 are vaccinated against HPV 16 and 18, which together cause about 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer. The public health authority believes that boys should also be offered the vaccine, which would prevent another 120-130 cases of cancer.

- I can't understand this slowness. This is about both boys and girls, there are a number of cancers caused by hpv virus that can be prevented. That is a matter of equality as well, says the Secretary General of the Cancer Foundation.

- I think it is about finances, but the costs we have that are related to HPV infections exceed the costs of vaccination.