SUS identifies nearly 10,000 positive HPV high-risk cases in new test

The Unified Health System (SUS) identified 9,904 positive results for high-risk HPV since the beginning of the availability of the DNA-HPV molecular test in the public network. The technology represents an advance in the prevention of cervical cancer, since it allows detecting the presence of virus types associated with the development of the disease before even the appearance of changes in the cells.

The new method began to be incorporated into SUS in 2026, gradually replacing the traditional Pap smear as the main screening tool. The change follows recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), which recognizes the importance of molecular testing to increase the effectiveness of prevention.

Unlike Pap smear, which identifies existing cellular changes, HPV-DNA directly detects the genetic material of the virus. With this, health professionals can identify women who need follow-up before possible injuries evolve.

It is worth noting that a positive result for high-risk HPV does not mean that the patient has cancer. The examination indicates the presence of viral types that require evaluation and follow-up according to medical protocols.

New test can anticipate diagnosis by up to ten years

A research conducted by the Center for Integral Women's Health, of the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), presented important results on the benefits of the new technology.

The survey, conducted with participants of a screening program in Indaiatuba, within São Paulo, indicated that the use of molecular testing made it possible to identify cases of cervical cancer approximately ten years earlier compared to the traditional method.

While the mean age of identification of the disease by Pap screening was 49.3 years, among the women evaluated by the HPV-DNA this mean fell to 39.6 years.

Anticipation of diagnosis is considered fundamental to increase the possibilities of treatment and reduce deaths caused by the disease.

Test is already present in 26 Brazilian states

The implementation of the new protocol occurs gradually throughout the national territory. According to the Ministry of Health, 26 states already use molecular testing in the public network.

The Espírito Santo is the only federative unit that had not yet completed the adoption of the technology, with the new tests expected by the end of 2026.

The expansion of screening seeks to facilitate the identification of persistent high-risk HPV infections and refer patients for appropriate follow-up when necessary.

Brazil can register more than 19 thousand cases per year

The numbers reinforce the need to expand prevention actions. According to estimates of the National Cancer Institute (Inca), Brazil could register approximately 19,300 new cases of cervical cancer per year by 2028.

The disease is among the most frequent types of cancer in the Brazilian female population. Despite the severity, early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, and may exceed 95% in certain cases identified in the early stages.

In addition to periodic screenings, HPV vaccination remains one of the main strategies to prevent infections by the types of the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

The guideline is for women to go to the health facilities to verify the indication of screening according to age and clinical history. In Ponta Grossa and in other municipalities of Campos Gerais, the population can also seek information on prevention and vaccination in the units of the public network.

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