Key HPV test now free for Russian women

Russian women can now get a free test for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. It is available as part of reproductive health screening under the compulsory health insurance (CHI) system.

HPV is the human papillomavirus, which causes papillomavirus infection. It is not a single virus but a group of related viruses, with more than 200 types known.

HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. The virus can also spread through microtraumas on the skin and from an infected mother to her child during childbirth. It leads to the appearance of papillomas (warts, flat and pointed condylomas) on the skin, genitals, anus, mouth, and throat.

As part of the first stage of screening for women aged 21 to 49, diagnostic tests for detecting the DNA of high-oncogenic risk HPV types have been introduced. If the result of the initial test is positive, the doctor will additionally perform a liquid oncocytology test, TASS reports, citing a document.

The viruses are divided into two categories depending on their ability to cause cancer:

• high-oncogenic risk viruses;

• low-oncogenic risk viruses.

The most high-oncogenic types are 16 and 18. If they are present in a person«s body, this increases the risk of developing cancer, especially cervical cancer in women.

Papillomavirus infection caused by HPV is more common in young people with a large number of sexual partners. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 50–80% of the population is infected with HPV, but only 5–10% have clinical manifestations.

The virus can remain in the body for a long time without symptoms. Regular check-ups, including HPV screening for women, and vaccination reduce the risk of complications.

By 2027, the HPV vaccine is planned to be included in the national vaccination calendar, and it will become free for everyone. More details can be found in this article.