Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing has become an increasingly popular method for cervical cancer screening around the world, including in Israel. According to a study published in the Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease in 2021, Israel has been transferring to using HPV testing as the primary screening method for cervical cancer since 2017. The study noted that this approach has been adopted in many countries around the world, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe.
One reason for the increasing popularity of HPV testing is that it is a more sensitive and reliable method for detecting cervical cancer than the traditional Pap test. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, so detecting the presence of the virus can help identify women at risk for developing the disease before it progresses.
In terms of actual uptake of cervical cancer screening, there is some variation between countries. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2018, 71% of women aged 30-49 in Israel had been screened for cervical cancer within the past five years. This is higher than the global average of 44%, but lower than some other developed countries such as the United Kingdom (76%) and Australia (79%).
Despite the availability of screening tests, cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern both in Israel and around the world. According to data from the Israeli Ministry of Health, there were 177 new cases of cervical cancer and 52 deaths from the disease in Israel in 2017. The WHO reports that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with an estimated 570,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths in 2018.
Sources:
Menczer, J., Adar, T., Rozen, R., & Sagi-Dain, L. (2021). HPV testing as a primary screening tool in Israel: Implementation and quality indicators. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease, 25(1), 44-48.
World Health Organization. (2020). Cervical cancer. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/cervical-cancer/en/
Israeli Ministry of Health. (2017). Cancer incidence in Israel 2017. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.il/PublicationsFiles/cancer_2017.pdf
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