Last year, far fewer screenings were performed to detect cell changes in the cervix than usual.
Between April and November 2020, just over 8,500 gynecological cell samples were taken, compared with almost 12,000 during the same period in 2019.
- Here in Västmanland, there are 5,000 women who have not been allowed to take their cell sample last year and who are waiting to do so.
It is very serious as cervical cancer is a silent disease that is not detected without screening, says Stephanie Bruksgård (M).
In order to catch up with the screening activities, Region Västmanland must therefore introduce a so-called HPV self-test for all women in the county who would be in line to receive a screening.
- Hopefully this also leads to more women choosing to take cell samples.
It can feel safer to be able to take the test yourself at home, says Stephanie Bruksgård (M).
Region Västmanland expects to be running the HPV self-test by the end of the year.