In Sweden, tens of thousands of women may need to undergo new cervical cancer screenings as previous tests may not have been effective. The shift to HPV-based testing is part of updated national guidelines to improve early detection and prevention.
Thousands of Women in Sweden May Need New Cervical Cancer Tests
Thousands of Women in Sweden May Need New Cervical Cancer Tests
Tens of thousands of women may need to undergo new screenings to detect cervical cancer, as the previous tests may not have been sufficient, potentially allowing cancer cases to go undetected.
In Sweden, women are called every five or seven years to undergo tests to detect cervical cancer. In 2024, over three million women aged 23 to 70 were part of the screening program that has been in place since the 1960s.
For a long time, only cytology, which looks for cell changes, was offered. However, researchers have discovered over the years that human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to cell changes. Therefore, HPV testing has also been introduced.
"It is a much more sensitive way to look for risk factors for cervical cancer because it searches for the cause," says Miriam Elfström, chair of the national working group for cervical cancer prevention and care program group.
Immediate Testing Recommended
Since June, new recommendations have been in place. Those tested with cytology are no longer considered screened and should "immediately" be offered an HPV test.
"New (cancer) cases among those who have only been screened with cytology have increased over the years, and we really want to emphasize that only HPV-based screening should be used."
The change comes from updated recommendations in the national care program for cervical cancer prevention, aligning with EU standards, as first reported by Dagens Medicin.
Since 2015, HPV testing has been recommended for women over 30, and since 2022 for those under 30.
Half a Million Not Tested
The number of women affected by the change is difficult to estimate as they are grouped with women who, for various reasons, have not been called. In 2024, that number was over 76,000 women. The number of women who have not taken an HPV test is much higher, with a little over 500,000 women in 2024.
If unsure about which test was done, one can check the test result to see if it indicates whether the sample contained HPV, according to Miriam Elfström.
"Everyone who has not taken an HPV test will be offered one as soon as possible. It is important for everyone to stay alert and participate when the offer comes and understand that it is a new, safer test replacing the older one."
It is not possible to book a test appointment independently; it is done through an invitation.
"As with everything else, if you are worried and have symptoms that may indicate a problem, you should always seek medical care, and you can always get tested."