Cervical screening intervals to be increased on the Island

Public Health says it's because of advancements in technology

The interval between cervical screenings is being increased from three to five years on the Isle of Man.

Public Health says more effective testing methods have been used here since 2018, which means that the HPV virus, which causes 99.7 percent of cervical cancers, is now detected well before it gets a chance to develop.

From 1 July, those aged between 24 and 49 who test negative at their next screening will be invited for another routine test after five years.

The change is said to be 'safe and effective' and is based on the latest clinical evidence following a recommendation made by the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) in February 2019 and changes to screening intervals across the UK. 

There'll be a number of information sessions next week with representatives from Public Health, Manx Care, the Department of Health and Social Care and the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association. 

Spaces can be booked online for the following events:

17 June

• 1-2pm at Keyll Darree, Nobles Hospital
• 6-7pm at Keyll Darree, Nobles Hospital

19 June

• 6-7pm online event

Director of Public Health, Dr. Matt Tyrer, said: "We have reviewed the UKNSC recommendation and research, and thanks to modernisation and improvement of testing and treatment we are also able to move from a three to five-year testing interval.

"We increased testing accuracy on the Island in 2018 by changing from cytology to testing for high-risk HPV, the virus that accounts for most cervical cancer cases. 

"We know that those who don’t have HPV have a very low risk of developing cervical cancer within five years. 

"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.

"This tells us that we don’t need to carry out screening as often, which will help to balance the benefits and harms of screening, while providing a more efficient and safer programme."

Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association Executive Officer, Sandy Denning, said: "At the Staywell Clinic, we have been offering cervical screening for over 60 years, and we feel that this move is a logical step forward for women of the Isle of Man.

"The shift to five-yearly screening intervals is 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.

"Concerningly, cervical screening attendance rates are falling so if you receive a reminder letter, please give us a call, on 642638, and make that appointment where our nurses will put you at ease and explain the process. 

"We look forward to welcoming you to the Staywell Clinic – a service funded and managed by the IOM Anti-Cancer Association."

Manx Care Chief Executive Officer, Teresa Cope, said: "We encourage all women to attend their screening appointment as it remains one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer.

"It is important to talk these changes through with women so please come along to the events planned.

"If you have any concerns, please contact our MCALS Service."

While nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, a very small number are not, and would not usually be detected through a standard smear test. 

Public Health says it's essential to be aware of symptoms such as unusual bleeding, pain, or discharge, and to seek medical advice promptly if they occur.

It also says that while vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection, it does not eliminate the need for regular screening.

More information about cervical cancer and screening can be found here.