Cervical screening interval increases to five years

The interval between cervical screening tests on the Isle of Man is to be extended from three years to five.

The increased timespan will apply to women aged between 24 and 49 who test negative for human papillomavirus (HPV).

The change follows research that showed those without the virus, which causes 99.7% of cervical cancer, were at lower risk so could wait longer between tests.

The Public Health directorate said that was due to "significant advances" in screening technology allowing the virus to be detected "well before" it developed.

Director of public health Matt Tyrer said the those without the HPV had a "very low risk" of developing cervical cancer within five years.

Dr Tyrer said: "It takes around 10 to 15 years for cervical cancer to develop after an HPV infection, which means that this regular screening will pick up cell changes before they develop into cervical cancer."

The change follows a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee from 2019 and the decision to adopt the longer timescale by NHS England.

The Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association said the change was a "a logical step forward for women" on the island.

Chief executive Sandy Denning said the shift was "based on the understanding that screening is not a test for the presence of cancer but is a more accurate way of identifying individuals at high risk of developing cervical cancer".

However, she said it remained important for those sent letters offering screening to make an appointment.

People can book a place at two sessions explaining the changes at Keyll Darree on the Noble's Hospital site on 17 June, between 13:00 and 14:00 and 18:00 and 19:00 BST.

A third session will be held online on 19 June between 18:00 and 19:00.

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