Women going for cervical screening tests will now also be tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes 99% of cervical cancers.

The new change will mean cell variations that could eventually lead to cancer will be picked up earlier.

Going for a smear test will be no different but, by screening the cells for HPV it will be possible for those who do not have HPV to move to having their cervical screening test every five years, up from the current three.

Research carried out ahead of the changes revealed many are unaware of the links between cancer and HPV. It warned of ‘worry and confusion’ about the new tests.

From 2008 secondary school girls were vaccinated against HPV and in 2019 this was extended to S1 boys, in whom the virus can cause head, neck and anogenital cancers.

Chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood said the move would “save more lives”. She urged everyone, including those who were vaccinated, to go for their smear tests:

“It is important that those who have been vaccinated for HPV still go for screening. This is because the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cancer. It’s the combination of the HPV vaccination and cervical screening that should eventually wipe out cervical cancer in Scotland.

“Women who are found to have HPV will be closely monitored and treated if required, meaning HPV is extremely unlikely to develop into cervical cancer.”

Robert Music, chief executive of charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, welcomed the changes and said it was important that women understand that having HPV is not unusual:

“We are fortunate to have cervical screening as it can stop cervical cancer before it starts and testing for HPV means we can identify those at risk much faster. This will help to prevent event more diagnoses.

“It’s important that women understand the changes to the programme, such as moving to testing every five years, and that they feel comfortable with their results.

“Many more women will now be told they have the virus and we must tackle the fear and confusion that exists around this really common virus.”

Around one in four women will have HPV at some point in their lives.

According to the World Health Organization, HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract affecting most sexually active women and men at some point in their lives, some repeatedly. Most HPV infections clear up on their own.