Denmark to implement new cervical cancer screening method for women aged 30 to 59

Starting next year, a new method will be implemented for cervical cancer screenings for women aged 30 to 59, as announced by health authorities. This screening approach, which has been trialed since 2021, follows recommendations from a national cervical cancer screening committee.

While the gynecological examination remains unchanged, the difference lies in the analysis of the cell samples taken from the cervix. The new method will assess samples for HPV (human papillomavirus) rather than just for cell abnormalities, increasing sensitivity and enabling earlier detection of any changes.

According to experts, this updated approach means that screenings will occur every five years instead of the current three-year interval. “Both methods are effective and safe, each with its pros and cons. However, the chosen HPV screening appears to identify severe cell changes sooner, reducing the frequency of necessary screenings,” stated a health authority representative.

HPV has over 100 types, some causing benign issues such as warts, while others can lead to cancer. Most sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point, often without any symptoms, as most infections clear up on their own. Chronic HPV infections can lead to cell changes in multiple areas, potentially resulting in cancer if not monitored.

With the new HPV screening, more cases will likely be identified, enabling better management of infections that may resolve naturally. Women over 23 are encouraged to participate in cervical cancer screenings, but only those 30 and older will be screened using the new method due to the typical resolution of infections in younger women.

More than 420,000 women in Denmark partake in cervical cancer screening annually, and the country sees approximately 340 new cases of cervical cancer each year, with about 90 fatalities. Other Nordic nations have already adopted this new HPV screening technique.