In 2022, in the Kaliningrad region, it is conducting HPV testing of women born in 1973-1992 as part of a pilot project for combined cervical cancer screening. The regional Ministry of Health told why the study is being conducted and how to sign up for it.
1. What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the common name for a group of viruses that are widespread throughout the world. HPV is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, and most are infected shortly after the onset of sexual activity.
Cervical cancer develops as a result of certain types of HPV infections. It is the second most common type of cancer among women in developing countries. Screening and treatment of precancerous lesions in women over the age of 30 years is considered one of the effective methods of prevention. If cervical cancer is detected at an early stage, a complete cure is possible.
2. What do you need to get tested?
You must fill out a form on the website of the Ministry of Health of the Kaliningrad Region, you will be contacted and invited to an appointment.
Three rules for enrolling in the examination:
- Pass the link. If you would like to sign up for testing at the Center for Specialized Care, you can fill out the form here.
- Fill in the form.
- If you haven’t received a call within two business days, please fill out the form again.
3. Where can I get tested?
In any medical organization that is listed. You can choose one that is closer to your home or place of work.
4. What is needed for the examination?
Passport and MHI insurance policy. The study is free of charge.
5. Who can get tested?
Women born in 1973-1992, sexually active. Those who are on dispensary records with diagnoses of “HPV infection of the genital tract”, “cervical cancer” do not need to be examined.
6. Why is it needed?
When examining doctors, they are interested in viruses that can lead to the development of cervical cancer. They are called high oncogenic HPV. There are 13 types of them: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, they are examined for everything.
7. What to do next if the HPV test is positive?
Modern cervical screening has been developed, which includes HPV testing, cytological examination of cervical smears and colposcopy. This makes it possible to detect significantly more precancerous lesions. If the HPV test is positive, the woman will be called for an additional examination, which is also free of charge. If necessary, recommendations will be given in consultation with a narrow specialist for the appointment of treatment.
8. How often should I get tested for HPV?
WHO recommends screening at the age of 30-49 years. In the absence of pathological changes, the interval between examinations can be from 3 to 5 years. If benign diseases of the cervix are detected, dynamic monitoring is required once a year. If a serious pathology is detected, the doctor recommends an individual plan for examination and treatment.
9. Is the proposed testing effective?
Testing efficiency is high. To conduct laboratory analyzes, methods and equipment are used that are today considered the gold standard for organizing such studies throughout the world.
10. Where can I find out the result?
At the Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care, when taking a smear, you will indicate the phone number where your result will be sent. If you wish, you can pick up the original study form. If you are being tested for HPV at another facility from the suggested list, be sure to discuss this point with your doctor.