By James Rodger
Women over 65 – so born before 1960 – still at risk from cancer from HPV and should be offered a cervical screening – according to a study. Cases of cervical cancer among older people rising globally as research finds over-65s more likely to have HPV infections than younger women. There were about 660,000 cases of cervical cancer and 350,000 deaths from it worldwide in 2022, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). A new observational study published in Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Medicine has found that older women are more likely to have HPV infections and to have abnormal cells in test results than younger women. READ MORE Warning for millions going on holiday to Spain after UK tourist left ‘petrified’ The findings indicate that 鈥渨omen [aged 65 and above] are a high-risk group for cervical cancer incidence and mortality, necessitating urgent attention from countries worldwide鈥, the authors conclude. 鈥淢ost guidelines suggest stopping screening for those with adequate primary screening and no high-risk factors, particularly for women under 65,鈥 they say. 鈥淗owever, the situation differs for those over 65, who may not have been vaccinated or thoroughly screened. With increasing life expectancy, the risk of cervical cancer in this demographic is significantly heightened.鈥 Responding to the findings, Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of the Eve Appeal cancer charity, said among people over 65, 鈥渢here is a largely unvaccinated population who, if under-screened or if they have never attended screening, may well still be at high risk of cervical cancer鈥. 鈥淲e would look to the National Screening Committee to examine the findings and see if there would be benefits in reviewing screening age.鈥 Maxine Lenza, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: 鈥淩ecent improvements to the test in the UK means it鈥檚 an extremely effective way of preventing cervical cancer and saving lives, so those over the age of 65 and up to date with their cervical screening will have a very low risk of developing the disease. However, women over 65 who have never had cervical screening can request a test with their GP practice.鈥 An NHS spokesperson said: 鈥淭he NHS cervical screening programme in England follows expert recommendations on age and frequency of screening by the UK National Screening Committee, which are based on regular reviews of the best evidence globally . 鈥淲omen with an HPV-positive screening result at the age of 65 are invited for additional screening to monitor their ongoing risk and we would encourage all women to attend appointments when invited to ensure they have the best protection against cervical cancer.鈥