- About 13 high-risk types of HPV cause 99.7 percent of cervical cancer cases
Only 12 per cent of women fully understand cervical cancer screening and the vital tests associated with it, a charity has warned.
Research from Cancer Research UK shows that many women may not know how important it is to check for the human papillomavirus (HPV).
The latter refers to a group of viruses that can be transmitted through sexual contact, but do not cause problems in most people.
The results show that approximately 13 high-risk types of HPV cause 99.7 percent of cervical cancers.
In NHS screening, cervical samples taken during smear tests are examined for HPV.
Research from Cancer Research UK shows that many women may not know how important it is to check for the human papillomavirus (HPV).
If a high risk of this is detected, checks are carried out for cell changes.
If these are not clear, women will be invited back for cervical cancer screening in a year. But if cell changes are discovered, women undergo further testing.
A YouGov poll for King’s College London found that only around one in eight could identify how HPV testing is used.
Overall, 14 percent of women unpromptedly mentioned HPV as a risk factor for cervical cancer, while 23 percent of those who had heard of HPV were aware that most sexually active people will contract the virus at some point in their lives.
Professor Jo Waller from Queen Mary University of London said: ‘Although positive steps have been taken to raise awareness, research reveals major gaps in the understanding of screening approaches.
Results show that approximately 13 high-risk types of HPV cause 99.7 percent of cervical cancers
‘Improving awareness can help reduce uncertainty and confusion about results. It will also help people understand the reasoning behind any updates to the program, such as changes to the intervals between appointments.”
There is a vaccine against HPV, given in schools, and experts believe it is on the right track to virtually eliminating cervical cancer.
Children now receive a single dose when they are in year 8, aged 12 to 13. In 2021-2022, 82.2 per cent of girls in Year 9 had received one dose.
The research was published in the Journal of Medical Screening.