1 in 3 GPs offer HPV screening outside guidelines, study shows
Professor Marion Saville says under-screening is still a major issue
One third of GPs are ignoring HPV screening guidelines, admitting they screen women as often as they request, a survey shows.
As cervical screening experts continue to warn about the number of eligible women overdue for testing, the survey of 600 GPs and obstetrician–gynaecologists suggests that testing outside guidelines is common.
Overall, 38% of GPs said they would screen as often as requested — most commonly, the women were aware of the additional cost and still wanted to go ahead.
About 14% reported offering HPV screening to women under 25 on request, often because the patient had a family history of cervical cancer or abnormalities, or had been sexually assaulted.
