Sweden Transitions to HPV Testing in Cervical Cancer Screening

Sweden is set to revamp its cervical cancer screening program due to the inadequacies of previous cytology tests, which have been in use since the 1960s. This shift prioritizes human papillomavirus (HPV) testing over cytology, responding to an alarming rise in cervical cancer cases among those screened solely through cytology. As of June 2024, women who have undergone only cytology testing will no longer be considered screened and should be offered HPV testing promptly.

Currently, more than three million women aged 23 to 70 are part of the national screening program, yet approximately 500,000 women had not received HPV testing by 2024. Miriam Elfström, the chair of the national working group for cervical cancer prevention, emphasized the necessity of this transition, stating, "HPV testing is a more sensitive method for identifying risk factors for cervical cancer."

The new guidelines dictate that women aged 23 to 49 will undergo HPV testing every five years, while those over 50 will be tested every seven years. Screenings are conducted based on invitations, and women with symptoms should seek medical care directly. The public health effort also includes providing the HPV vaccine to children, further aiming to reduce cervical cancer incidences in the future.