Cervical cancer is the 8th most common cancer and the 9th leading cause of cancer related deaths amongst women in Hong Kong according to the cancer registry of 2019.

There are more than 100 types of HPV, but only some are considered high-risk for cervical cancer. HPV 16 and 18 are the highest-risk of all, causing 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
There is currently no treatment for HPV but often the infection clears naturally . In most women, HPV infections clear within two years of detection.

There are some general preventive measures such as avoiding smoking, practicing safe sex and leading a healthy lifestyle. However, the best ways to prevent cervical cancer are vaccination against HPV and regular cervical cancer screening.

Vaccination works best for young girls before they are sexually active. However, it does not provide full protection. Hence, regular cervical cancer screening is recommended.

Pap smear ( Cytology )/ Co test was the standard cervical cancer screening tool used in Hong Kong.
From April 2023 HPV DNA is recommended as the primary screening tool for cervical screening. Now countries around APAC have introduced self-testing for HPV DNA, but in Hong Kong sample collection method remains the same.