WOMEN in Scotland are set to receive a more accurate test for cervical cancer that has the potential to detect the disease earlier.

The new screening regime will check women aged 25 to 64 for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) at the same time as they attend for a routine smear test. The sexually-transmitted virus is strongly related to the development of the cancer and schoolgirls in Scotland are already offered an HPV immunisation.

The new check is expected to be introduced as part of the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme in 2019.

Patients in England and Wales will also begin receiving the test about the same time, following the recommendations of the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC).

At present, cervical screening uses cytology, which takes a random sample of cells from the cervix and checks for any abnormalities. If they are, the sample is then tested for HPV.

The new system will turn the process on its head by checking the sample for HPV first. Certain high-risk strains of the virus are linked to nearly all cervical cancer cases.

If the patient does not have HPV, she is at extremely low risk of developing cervical cancer and no further investigation will be needed. Patients who test positive for HPV will be checked for potentially cancerous cells and offered treatment if necessary, while those who have HPV but no abnormal cells will be monitored.

It has been estimated the new regime will prevent about 50 cervical cancer cases from developing in Scotland each year. Robert Music, chief executive at Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “HPV testing, as the primary cervical screening method, has been shown to have a higher detection rate than the current screening programme.

This provides a more reliable indicator of women who may be at greater risk of cervical cancer.

“It is positive to see the NHS in Scotland following advice from the UKNSC and changing to this more effective test, which will reduce incidence of cervical cancer in Scotland and save lives.”

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under the age of 35, and the incidence is increasing.

In Scotland, there were 379 new diagnoses in 2015 – up by 22 per cent in a decade. It also comes amid a dip in the number of eligible women taking up the smear test, from 80 per cent a decade ago to just 70 per cent now.

Cancer Research UK’s Gregor McNie said: “It’s a huge step forward the Scottish Government is now introducing a first line HPV test to improve cervical screening.

Testing first for the human papilloma virus will help prevent more cervical cancers, as it can pick up the cancer-causing infection before any abnormalities could develop in the cells.”

Health Secretary Shona Robison: “Cervical screening is an important health service that can reduce cases of cervical cancer and death. We must continue to invest in more accurate and accessible tests.

I am pleased to announce investment from our Cancer Strategy will be used to introduce this new test, which will help ensure the early signs of cervical cancer are identified and treated earlier.