Women over 30 should have cervical screening, preferably an HPV test
In a rural Indian trial, even a single lifetime HPV screening test approximately halved cervical cancer deaths and advanced cancers. The test costs roughly one or two hundred renminbi in China; a negative result supports a five-year interval.
What it takes
An HPV test costs RMB 100–300 in China. With a negative result, the source recommends a five-year interval. Sampling takes a few minutes.
What you may gain
A cluster-randomized trial in rural India enrolled women aged 30–59. One round of HPV screening reduced cervical cancer mortality by about 48% (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33–0.83) and advanced cervical cancer by about 53% (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.32–0.69).
Context & considerations
Vaccinated women still need screening because vaccines do not cover every viral type. This study is unusual: a randomized screening trial measured deaths directly, after just one screening round.
Research & references
Sankaranarayanan R et al. (2009). HPV screening for cervical cancer in rural India. New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa0808516