The new test can accurately determine when abnormal cells develop in women. These abnormalities can eventually lead to cervical cancer.
In addition, the test also recognizes the signs of other common cancers, such as breast, uterus, and ovarian cancer. In the future, the British and Austrian researchers’ test could also be used to detect these tumors at an early stage.
The new test is much better than existing methods for detecting abnormal cells in women. It also looked at women who carry human papillomavirus (HPV) but don’t have abnormal cells. The virus can lead to cervical cancer. In 55% of the subjects studied, it was possible to predict that the abnormal cells would develop over the next four years.
“This new method is more specific and prevents a patient from being treated unnecessarily. This is good news for preventing cervical cancer and great news for everyone who needs to be screened,” said one of the researchers. The Guardian.
According to the RIVM, around eight hundred people in the Netherlands get cervical cancer every year. About a quarter of them succumb to the disease.
