The abnormal cells on the cervix, when grow in an uncontrolled manner; it is known to be cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be treated successfully if diagnosed early on in its initial stages. There are various ways to test or diagnose the condition. However, it is known from a new research that co-testing in cervical cancer which involves the Pap plus HPV testing together is a better option for diagnosing the condition.
Any new research, idea or discovery meets results in discussions related to the effectiveness, the positive sides, the benefits and also the negative sides or the adverse effects of it. One of the most recent debates is on the latest topic that is associated with the cervical cancer screening. This article considers why co-testing in cervical cancer is better. It deals with how getting Pap smear along with HPV screening for cervical cancer is better.
Pap Plus HPV For Cervical Cancer – Why Co-Testing In Cervical Cancer Is Better?
Pap plus HPV for cervical cancer is one of the most discussed topics among healthcare providers working for cervical cancer treatments. Though there may be issues related to effectiveness and efficiency of co-testing; i.e. the pap plus HPV together for cervical cancer screening as compared to the screening of cervical cancer by HPV test alone; there are many reasons that support the co-testing for cervical cancer.
Here are some of the main benefits that support the argument, why co-testing in cervical cancer is better. Let us look at the reasons for opting Pap plus HPV for cervical cancer.
Why Additional testing In Cervical Cancer Is Better?
According to the results of a new research published in the Cancer Cytopathology Journal from ACS or American Cancer Society, it has been observed that in every 1 out of 6 women cervical cancer can be missed if screening is done for HPV alone. This is so because HPV tests identify the presence of the virus that causes most cervical cancer; but they do not identify the cancer itself. However, Pap tests identify abnormalities in the cervix as a result of HPV infection that could signify presence of pre-cancerous cellular changes or even cancer. This would be a crucial step for early detection of the cervical cancer. This makes it more logical to get Pap plus HPV for cervical cancer, as an early detection tool.
The research model predicted that this co-testing or screening with Pap smear and testing for HPV combined versus just testing for HPV alone can prevent around 100, 000 cases of cervical cancer and save a lot of lives of women in the age group of 30 years to 70 years over the next 40 years. This, undoubtedly explains why co-testing in cervical cancer is better.
The research predicted that co-testing would result in approximately $4 billion savings in healthcare cost over 40 years. This is so because HPV testing alone for cervical cancer may bring false positives which may often lead to some additional tests and increased cost. It is thus believed that using Pap plus HPV test together for cervical cancer can be helpful in early detection of abnormalities and subsequent treatments at a lower cost. Hence, even healthcare costs perspective supports why co-testing in cervical cancer is better.
Though there have been the positive sides of co-testing in cervical cancer screening; any new discovery requires thorough research. However, from above benefits it can be concluded that co-testing in cervical cancer is better. Hence, tests like Pap plus HPV can provide better opportunity for early detection and provide the patients, best chance for a long life.
Stringent and extensive research carried out pertaining to cervical cancer gives full backing to the traditional recommendations and practices despite more novel methods that are available which have also garnered some support from physicians and researchers. Howevr when it comes to investigating their efficacy and safety the novel approaches do not seem to be up to the mark and in fact pose more threat to females suffering from cervical cancer.
While more research continues on this field, it is important that healthcare providers evaluate better approaches that save time, costs and offer better quality of healthcare. Co-testing in cervical cancer screening can be promising and must be implemented with appropriate safety standards. With this increased awareness, people can discuss about additional testing in cervical cancer screening and the requirement of Pap smear and HPV testing with their healthcare provider depending on their own health.
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