01/02/2013

Poots Announces New Cervical Cancer Test

A test for the human papilloma virus (HPV) is to be included within the Northern Ireland cervical cancer-screening programme, the health minister has announced.

Edwin Poots said the link between HPV and cervical cancer had "long been established" and the aim of the programme is to reduce the number of women who develop cervical cancer.

The Department of Health said screening is offered to all women aged 25 to 64 and is carried out via the cervical smear test.

HPV testing will be done using the sample of cells taken during the cervical screening test.

(H)


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