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What has happened in the lead up to this change in Wales?

Since September 2018, Cervical Screening Wales has used a test for HPV as its primary cervical screening test. Previously the primary test we used was cytology, which looks at the cells. HPV causes 99.8% of all cervical cancers so testing for the virus is more effective than looking at cells alone. 

If HPV is found in your cervical screening sample, cytology will be undertaken and you will be recalled for a follow up every year, even if there are no cell changes. HPV testing allows more focus and follow up of those at a higher risk, i.e. those who have the virus. The HPV test detects people at a higher risk before cell changes have occurred and therefore earlier in the progression of any disease.