Pap smears vs HPV testing and cervical cancer detection

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07/03/23

HPV infection is very common. In most people it clears up naturally in about 8-14 months but for others it can cause problems. In this video, a specialist pathologist explains how it is tested.

What is HPV and why does it matter? Who gets it and how do they get it? If someone has it will they get cancer? How does the HPV test work? How does it differ from the conventional Pap test? Why do women need an HPV test only every five years compared with two years for the Pap test?
These are among the questions addressed in a new short video clip from Lab Tests Online Australasia that sets out to help women understand the changes to the National Cervical Screening Program. Cytopathologist, Dr Peta Fairweather, who specialises in investigating cervical cancer and other gynaecological conditions, explains the following key points in plain language:

• Cervical cancer is predominantly caused by high-risk strains of the Human Papilloma Virus.
• Being infected by HPV is very common.
• HPV doesn’t require penetrative intercourse to be transmitted – all it takes is close contact.
• The majority of people will become infected with some strain of HPV at some stage. Most - at least 85% – will get rid of the infection themselves.
• There are about 100 strains of HPV and about 15 of those are high risk.
• Having a high risk strain doesn’t mean someone will get cancer – they are only at greater risk.
• It takes years for the virus to cause cancer and this begins with early cell changes.
• The Pap test has historically been a very good test and it looks for cellular changes. But it is only 50% sensitive. This means it needs to be done every two years.
• The HPV test detects the virus’ DNA to see if it is present. It is more than 90% sensitive which means there is a good chance it will be picked up. It only needs to be done every five years.