A study by Karolinska Institutet and Queen Mary University of London, published in PLOS Medicine, has introduced a method to classify HPV-positive women into risk groups, improving cervical cancer screening. Key findings and details include:
Study Overview
- The study involved 855 HPV-positive women in England who participated in a self-testing trial due to overdue cervical screenings.
- Among them, 71 women (8.3%) were diagnosed with severe cervical precancer or cancer.
Risk Stratification
The new method categorized women into high, medium, and low-risk groups using – HPV variant type and Viral load (cycle threshold, Ct value).
High-risk group:
- Women with HPV type 16 and Ct values <30.
- 40% had severe precancer or cancer, requiring immediate colposcopy.
Low-risk group:
- Over 50% of HPV-positive women.
- Only 4% risk of severe disease within 12 months.
- Suggested follow-up: annual retesting.
Medium-risk group:
- Recommended clinical testing.
Advantages of the Method
Risk assessment can be performed immediately after HPV self-testing, eliminating the need for further lab analyses. This can be particularly beneficial for low-and middle-income countries with limited resources.
Importance for India
- India accounts for nearly one-fifth of the global cervical cancer burden, with over 1,20,000 cases annually.
- HPV self-testing is a cost-effective, scalable solution, especially in rural areas where access to routine screenings is limited.
- This method can bridge gaps in healthcare by identifying high-risk women early and reducing the workload on overburdened healthcare systems.
- The ability to conduct risk assessment immediately after self-testing makes it ideal for mass implementation in India’s resource-constrained settings.
Conclusion
Self-testing for HPV is a powerful tool that ensures broader participation in cervical cancer screening, especially among women who might otherwise miss routine tests. By enabling targeted interventions for high-risk cases, this approach not only improves early detection but also enhances the overall efficiency of cervical cancer screening programs, ultimately saving lives.
Stay Informed with WellAura!
At WellAura, we’re dedicated to bringing you the latest insights on women’s health, wellness, and reproductive care.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin for more expert tips, health news, and guidance tailored to support your well-being. Reach out to learn more about our services!
