Summary
Cervical cancer prevention has been based on cervical cytology screening for the last 50 years. The approach to cervical cancer prevention in the UK is undergoing significant change due to the rapid advances in our understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) and its role in carcinogenesis and the clinical applications of primary prevention by HPV immunisation and secondary prevention by high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing.
This paper sets out the developments in cervical screening in the UK and the challenges it faces.
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This Scientific Impact Paper was developed prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Version history
This is the second edition of this Scientific Impact Paper.
Please note that the Scientific Advisory Committee regularly assesses the need to update. Further information on this review is available on request.
Developer declaration of interests
Dr TBR Freeman-Wang MRCOG, London: Dr Freeman-Wang has had economy travel and accommodation covered for a colposcopy course in Dubai, accommodation covered for an Indian colposcopy society meeting and accommodation covered for lectures on behalf of the British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (BSCCP) at a Latin American colposcopy course in Buenos Aires. She has received £200 for a lecture on bleeding in obstetrics and gynaecology for a sexual health meeting held at Alexandra Palace, London, in 2013, and £150 for a lecture on vulval disease at the Royal College of Physicians in 2013.
Professor ME Cruickshank FRCOG, Aberdeen: Professor Cruickshank has received grants from the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) in Scotland and the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme. She receives royalties as the editor of a Wiley-Blackwell undergraduate Obstetrics and Gynaecology textbook.
Professor HC Kitchener FRCOG, Manchester: Professor Kitchener has received grants/has grants pending from the NIHR HTA programme (£1.3 million) and Public Health England (£500,000). He receives royalties of £40 per year for a textbook in obstetrics and gynaecology. Professor Kitchener is a trustee for the BSCCP. He is Chair of the Advisory Committee on Cervical Screening (Public Health England).