Enhanced cervical screening will be brought in for women on the Isle of Man.
A new test will be introduced to detect more people at risk of developing cervical cancer.
From August 1st the Island will roll out Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) primary screening – which is a new way of examining screening samples.
Samples will be tested for HPV – as 99.7 per cent of cervical cancers are caused by a persistent HPV infection.
Currently samples are screened for abnormal cells – using cytology – and only tested for HPV if an abnormality is detected.
Director of Public Health Dr Henrietta Ewart said: "This is very good news for women in the Isle of Man.
"The new test offers a single-stage, more sensitive test for detection of the virus while confirming a longer-term low risk after a negative result.
"Cervical screening saves thousands of lives every year in the UK.
"The change is a breakthrough as the new test will ensure the first signs of disease are spotted and treated earlier.
"It’ll also mean we can make better use of the colposcopy service at Noble’s, where woman are referred for examination when abnormalities are found.
"Adopting HPV Primary Screening puts us ahead of the curve as we will be among the first places to offer it."
