A simple urine test could be the solution to encourage women to be screened for cervical cancer, while 50% of them do not do so regularly.
Every year, there are 1000 deaths in France linked to cervical cancer. However, screening tests continue to multiply and several vaccines to fight against cervical infections have been developed. Today, a new, potentially more efficient method could emerge. A British study recently published in the British Medical Journal suggests in fact to detect cancer of the cervix with a simple urine test. A more practical and less expensive test than the smear, which could encourage more women to be tested.
A review every three years
Cervical cancer is the presence of abnormal cells in the lining that covers the lower part of the uterus, making the junction with the vagina. The transformation of cervical cells into cancer cells is slow: at least ten to fifteen years. Regular screening every three years is therefore recommended. Today it is the smear that is usually used by gynecologists in their patients aged 25 to 65 years. But only one in two French people use it so regularly, according to a study carried out by the Haute Autorité de Santé in 2010.
Marketing simple urine tests, as easy to use as pregnancy tests, could then be a good solution to reverse this trend. They would make regular screening a response.
Complementary vaccines
Vaccination, for its part, combats infections by certain types of HPV (Papillomavirus) linked to cervical cancer. But it is not compulsory, and does not replace the smear.
Reimbursed by Health Insurance, vaccines are nevertheless recommended for all girls aged 14 to 23 and preferably before their first sexual experience. Prevention is also key, because by systematically using a condom, young girls avoid all infections that could trigger cervical cancer.
.