Cervical Cancer Jab May Reduce Smear Test

Girls having cervical cancer jab need cervical cancer screening twice in their lifetime. This is good news with respect to reduction of cervical cancer. According to experts several cervical cancer vaccines used for treatment may ultimately reduce the occurrence of cervical cancer in humans. The current smear test, which is popular among women for cervical cancer screening is soon to be replaced by HPV test. Earlier pap smear test is done every three or five years, but the new HPV test is more effective in detecting cancerous cells than pap. Young girls aged 12 or 13 having jab need cervical cancer testing at the age of 30 to 45.

Cervical cancer vaccines are used to protect the body against key strains of human papilloma virus (HPV) known to cause most of the cervical cancer cases. HPV test is capable of identifying 13 strains responsible for all cervical cancer cases. The virus gradually spreads into the body and it may take as long as 10 years for cancer to develop. HPV test is much reliable and effective for cervical cancer as it captures everything. Vaccinated women need to be screened at the age of 30 and 45. In UK, HPV testing is still under consideration but could be used nationally by 2015. Expert belief that HPV testing would reduce the amount of cervical cancer cases in UK.