Computerised test may improve cervical cancer detection

A new computerised test for cervical cancer has been developed that has a better rate for detecting abnormalities than conventional smear tests - which could mean a reduced need for repeat tests and ultimately less need for cancer treatment.

Research published in the British Medical Journal claims that the Thin Prep Imager (TPI) slide reading system was able to detect more high-grade cervical abnormalities than conventional liquid-based cytology analysis in tests.

55,164 Australian women took part in the study, conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney led by Dr Elizabeth Davey. With the TPI system, 1.3 more cases of high-grade abnormalities per thousand women screened were detected.

Moreover, a much lower rate of slides being unusable was achieved using TPI: 1.79 per cent compared to 3.09 per cent for conventional cytology.

Richard Winder, deputy director of the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, told the BBC: "The ThinPrep Imager (TPI) and other imaging technologies are currently under evaluation and are being assessed for use in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme."

Improvements in screening technology are particularly significant, because one of the most common forms of cancer treatment for cervical conditions is hysterectomy.
   
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