The new test can accurately determine when the abnormal cells develop in women. These abnormalities can eventually lead to cervical cancer.
In addition, the test also recognizes signals from other common cancers, such as breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. In the future, the British and Austrian researchers’ test could also be used to detect these cancers at an early stage.
The new test is much better than current methods for detecting abnormal cells in women. Women who had the human papillomavirus (HPV) but had no abnormal cells were also examined. The virus can lead to cervical cancer. In 55 percent of the people studied, it was possible to predict the development of the abnormal cells in the next four years.
One of the researchers said: “This new method is more specific and prevents the patient from receiving unnecessary treatment. This is good news for cervical cancer prevention and good news for everyone who needs screening.” Watchman.
According to the RIVM, approximately eight hundred people in the Netherlands develop cervical cancer each year. About a quarter of them succumb to the disease.
