A NEW test is being introduced across Hampshire in a bid to slash the number of women being diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Cervical screening is currently offered to all women aged between 25 and 64 but the new test will check for a common infection that in the most serious cases can cause the disease.
Known as the HPV test, it detects the human papilloma virus which, while in most cases it clears up by itself, can be associated with long-term harm, specifically cervical cancer.
There will be no changes to the screening process for women. The sample will be taken as normal but when it is sent to the laboratory the new test will be applied if there are some abnormalities from the initial tests.
If HPV is found the patient will be invited for an appointment where the doctor can look at the cervix to see if any treatment is needed.
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