A lady in her 70s arranged a private cervical screening test as she had changed to a new partner in the last few years and knew that this may increase her risk of “high risk” human papilloma virus (HPV) transmission.
All of her previous cervical screening tests were normal (i.e. high risk HPV not detected) so, from the age of 65 years, she no longer received invitations from the NHS cervical screening programme.
Greater than 99% of cervical cancers are caused by “high risk HPV” so, women aged 65 years and over who have had all normal cervical screening tests are deemed to be at a very low risk and are therefore no longer eligible for routine NHS cervical screening tests.
Unfortunately, this patient’s cervical screening test result came back positive (“high risk HPV” detected) for the first time in her life and upon further testing of her cervical screening sample (cytology), the lab confirmed that there were early changes to her cervical cells that required further investigation (colposcopy) so she was urgently referred to Gynaecology.
Her results do not mean that she has cervical cancer or that she will later develop cervical cancer but simply mean that she carries “high risk HPV” which in her case, had caused early changes to her cervical cells and this could revert back to normal with close monitoring.
However, if she had not had this cervical screening test, her cervical changes could have potentially progressed (if left unmonitored) and could later develop into cervical cancer over the next few years.
This case emphasises how important and life-saving cervical screening can be and also highlights the need for women aged 65 years and older to let their doctors know if there are any changes to their risk profile (e.g. new partners).
EveryWoman Health provides private cervical screening tests in a comfortable and relaxed setting. If you would like to book an appointment, please contact our friendly team to discuss your needs, and we would be happy to support you.
Enquiries: hello@everywomanhealth.co.uk