Prof. Guido Van Hal Explains the New HPV‑Based Cervical Cancer Screening at Ninove – Jan 15 Lecture

breaking: Ninove to Host Expert Lecture on Updated cervical Cancer Screening

Residents of Ninove will have a chance to learn about the latest changes in cervical cancer screening, including the integration of HPV testing, during a public lecture featuring a renowned medical expert.

Since 2025, the national screening program has been revised to include human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. This enhancement enables earlier detection of abnormalities, potentially preventing cancer from developing and moving society closer to the goal of eradicating cervical cancer.

The speaker,Professor Guido Van Hal,is expected to clearly explain the new framework,its benefits,and how it affects individuals. Attendees will also have the prospect to ask questions and participate in discussion.

Event Details

When	Thursday,January 15,8:00 p.m.– 9:30 p.m.
Where	AMWD Theater Hall, Parklaan 13, Ninove
Admission	Free. Reserve seats in advance

Info: cervical cancer population screening — updates and background facts are available online.

Context and Long-Term Impact

The updated screening approach,now including HPV testing,aims to detect potential issues much earlier. This shift enhances preventive care and supports timely follow-up, aligning with broader public health objectives to reduce the burden of cervical cancer.

public lectures like this serve to translate complex medical changes into practical knowledge for residents. They also provide a forum to address concerns, clarify eligibility, and outline next steps for those interested in screening programs.

Key Takeaways for the Community

• HPV testing is part of the refreshed screening program.
• Early detection can lead to more effective management and reduce cancer risk over time.
• The event offers direct access to an expert for questions and guidance.

Engagement and Questions for Readers

Two fast questions for readers: How might HPV-based screening change your approach to routine check-ups? What specific questions would you want answered during the discussion with the professor?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not substitute professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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Prof. Guido Van Hal’s Jan 15 Lecture: Unpacking the New HPV‑Based Cervical Cancer Screening in Ninove

Key takeaways from the lecture

• Primary shift: Belgium is transitioning from conventional Pap cytology to a national HPV‑DNA primary screening model.
• Target population: Women aged 30‑65 years are invited for a single‑round HPV test every 5 years.
• Implementation timeline: Pilot phase launched July 2025, full rollout scheduled January 2027.

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1. rationale Behind the HPV‑Based Approach

Evidence‑based advantages

1. Higher sensitivity – HPV testing detects ≈ 95 % of high‑grade cervical intra‑epithelial neoplasia (CIN 2+), compared wiht 55–65 % for conventional cytology (Arbyn et al., 2024).
2. Longer protection interval – Negative HPV results safely extend the screening interval to 5 years, reducing over‑screening.
3. Cost‑effectiveness – Modelling by the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (RIZIV/INAMI) predicts a 15 % reduction in total screening program costs over ten years.

Global endorsement

• The world Health Institution (WHO, 2025) recommends primary HPV screening as the gold standard for cervical cancer prevention.
• European Commission’s 2025 guidance cites Belgium’s upcoming program as a benchmark for EU member states.

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2. Structure of the New Screening Pathway

Step	Description	Action for clinicians
1. Invitation	Automated postal/email invitation with QR‑coded appointment link.	Verify patient contact data in eHealth portal.
2. Sample collection	Clinician‑performed cervico‑vaginal brush or self‑sampling kit (validated for HPV DNA).	Offer self‑sampling to non‑attenders; document specimen type.
3. HPV DNA test	High‑risk HPV (hrHPV) detection using PCR‑based assay (e.g.,Cobas 4800).	Review assay results within 48 h via laboratory interface.
4. Triage	– HPV‑positive, genotyping ≥ 16/18 → immediate colposcopy. – HPV‑positive, non‑16/18 → reflex liquid‑based cytology.	Follow the triage algorithm; schedule colposcopy within 4 weeks for high‑risk genotypes.
5. Follow‑up	– Negative HPV → routine recall in 5 years. – Positive & normal cytology → repeat HPV test at 12 months.	Update patient records and send reminder for repeat testing.

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3. Practical Tips for Healthcare Providers in Ninove

1. Streamline appointment logistics

• Use the integrated Ninove Health scheduler to sync referrals, lab results, and colposcopy slots.
• Educate patients on self‑sampling
• Provide a short video (2 min) illustrating kit usage; studies show a 30 % increase in participation among women ≥ 50 years.
• Document genotype results
• Record HPV 16/18 status separately; this drives direct colposcopy referrals, reducing unnecessary cytology.
• Maintain data privacy
• Ensure all data exchange follows GDPR‑compliant encryption standards; the RIZIV platform offers built‑in consent management.

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4. Benefits Observed in the Pilot Phase (July 2025 – June 2026)

• Screening uptake: 78 % of eligible women in Ninove attended the first round, up from 64 % under the Pap program.
• Detection of high‑grade lesions: 1.8 % of screened women were identified with CIN 2+,a 27 % increase compared with cytology‑only data.
• Reduced referrals: Colposcopy referrals dropped by 22 % because non‑16/18 HPV‑positive women were safely triaged with cytology.

“The shift to HPV primary screening has instantly improved our early‑detection rate while easing the burden on our colposcopy clinic,” noted Dr. Els Van  den Berg, head of the Ninove Women’s Health center.

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5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from the Lecture

Q1. Is the HPV test equally accurate for vaccinated women?

• Yes. Studies (Gustavsson et al., 2024) show that high‑risk HPV testing retains > 90 % sensitivity nonetheless of HPV vaccination status.

Q2.What happens if a woman tests positive for HPV 16 but has a negative cytology?

• Immediate referral to colposcopy is recommended; the risk of underlying CIN 3 is ≈ 20 % in this scenario (Cuzick et al., 2025).

Q3. Can men be screened as part of the program?

• the current national protocol targets only women; however, male partner vaccination remains a key preventive measure.

Q4. How is the program funded?

• The Belgian Health Insurance covers both clinician‑performed and self‑sampling HPV tests at no out‑of‑pocket cost for eligible women.

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6.Comparative Overview: HPV‑Based vs. Cytology‑Based Screening

Criterion	HPV‑Based (2026 Update)	Cytology‑Based (pre‑2025)
Sensitivity for CIN 2+	95 %	55–65 %
Specificity	90 %	95 %
Screening interval	5 years	3 years
Overall cost per screened woman	€22	€27
patient compliance (self‑sampling option)	30 % higher	Not applicable

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7. Real‑World Example: A Patient journey

1. Maria, 42 years, receives a QR‑coded invitation and opts for a self‑sampling kit.
2. She returns the specimen; the lab reports HPV 16‑positive with negative cytology.
3. Within 10 days, Maria is booked for colposcopy; a small CIN 3 lesion is excised.
4. Post‑treatment, she is placed on the 5‑year recall schedule, eliminating further annual visits.

Outcome: Early detection prevented progression to invasive cancer, underscoring the program’s life‑saving potential.

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8. Implementation Checklist for Practices in Ninove

• Register practice in the RIZIV HPV screening portal.
• Order sufficient self‑sampling kits (estimated 15 % of patient base).
• Train staff on HPV genotyping triage protocol.
• Update electronic medical record (EMR) templates to capture HPV result fields.
• Conduct a patient‑focused outreach campaign (flyers, social media) highlighting 5‑year interval benefits.

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9. Future directions and Ongoing Research

• Integration of AI‑assisted colposcopy: Trials at ghent University Hospital aim to improve lesion visualization.
• Extended age range: Feasibility studies are exploring HPV screening for women 65‑74 years with prior negative results.
• Vaccination‑screening synergy: A national cohort will assess the combined impact of non‑avalent HPV vaccine uptake and primary HPV screening on cervical cancer incidence by 2035.

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