New format for cervical screening

More 'at risk' women to be found

The Island is set to introduce a new test, which will identify more of the women at risk of cervical cancer.

From 1 August, cervical screening samples from Manx patients will be screened for human papilloma virus, or HPV.

It's thought the majority of cervical cancers - around 99.7% in fact - are caused by a persistent HPV infection.

Currently, samples are screened using cytology and only tested for HPV if an abnormality is detected - the new system will effectively 'flip' that process upside-down.

England is introducing the new screening programme for women aged 25-64 from next year.

Patients will see no change when they have their test - the sampling method at the GP surgery will be identical.

Letters inviting women for screening will be dispatched as normal, now including additional information on HPV.