Cervical cancer prevention has been based on cytology screening for 50 years but, with the advent of vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV), the evolving strategy is becoming primary prevention combined with screening. Technological developments including HPV testing and automation in cytology offer the potential of greater cost-effectiveness, which needs to be carefully evaluated. For women in England currently aged 25 years or more, screening will remain the mainstay of prevention (20 years in Scotland and Wales). From 1 April 2010, Northern Ireland will move to call women at 25 years. This paper sets out the challenges and developments in this rapidly changing field.
This SAC Opinion Paper can be downloaded as a pdf below:
