New study reveals the emotional impact of HPV testing for the follow-up of abnormal cervical smears or treatment for CIN may be modest

A new study reveals that in the specific context of follow-up of abnormal smears or treatment for CIN (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia), the psychological burden of HPV (human papillomavirus) testing may be modest.

A new study recently published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, by researchers (Dr Mairead O'Connor and Prof Linda Sharp) at the National Cancer Registry, on behalf of CERVIVA, reveals that in the specific context of follow-up of abnormal smears or treatment for CIN (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia), the psychological burden of HPV (human papillomavirus) testing may be modest.

HPV testing was introduced into the Irish national cervical screening programme, CervicalCheck, in the management of women following treatment for CIN and to help in the management of women with low-grade smear test results. Previous research suggests that HPV testing may result in a substantial psychological burden for women; testing positive for HPV has been associated with a range of negative emotional consequences, particularly because HPV can be sexually transmitted. Most previous studies have either hypothetically asked women how they would feel if they underwent HPV testing, were conducted within clinical trials, or in the USA where there is no organised cervical screening. No studies examined women’s responses to HPV testing in the context of the new screening protocols.

Women who had an HPV DNA after one or more low-grade abnormal smears or treatment for CIN were interviewed to explore emotional reactions to undergoing HPV testing and to identify factors that may influence negative emotional responses to HPV testing.

For most participants, having an HPV test produced little negative or positive emotional response. The lack of strong emotional reaction to HPV testing was due to women’s concerns over their abnormal cytology (including a diagnosis of CIN, any treatment required) outweighing all other issues. Negative emotional responses related to HPV infection rather than HPV testing. Factors were identified that influenced whether or not women have adverse emotional responses to HPV testing: concerns over abnormal cytology or diagnosis of CIN, level of HPV knowledge, awareness of HPV being sexually transmitted, awareness of HPV being common among sexually active people and HPV information needs.

The authors suggest that these factors, as well as women’s concerns relating to their abnormal cytology, need to be taken into account when medical professionals are counselling women undergoing HPV testing.

Cancers: 

Building 6800
Cork Airport Business Park
Kinsale Road, Cork T12 CDF7
Email Contact us here
Tel: +353 (0) 21 4318014
Fax: +353 (0) 21 4318016

NCRI directions

Go to top