From January 1, 2025, primary HPV screening will change for the target group aged 30 to 64.
From January 1, 2025, primary HPV screening will be implemented in Belgium for the target group aged 30 to 64 in the context of the prevention of cervical cancer. For that age category, a primary HPV test applies every five years, while for women aged 25 to 29, it remains a primary cytology screening every three years.
Women aged 25 to 29 are invited for this population screening every three calendar years and are entitled to one reimbursed smear test every three calendar years. From January 1, 2025, women aged 30 to 64 will be invited for the population survey every five calendar years, instead of every three calendar years. This also means that they are entitled to a free screening every five calendar years, and therefore no longer every three calendar years. Screening is not recommended for women under 25 – it is only reimbursed for high-risk groups. If screening has not been reimbursed for ten years in women over 65 years of age, a one-off co-testing (cytology and HPV test) is recommended. Cotesting is not recommended in the age category of 25 to 64 years. Just as in the current situation, the improper use of cotesting is blamed on the patient herself. You are obliged to inform her of this before taking the smear and to obtain her approval.
For you as a GMD-holding general practitioner, this also means that in the course of 2025 – as soon as the CvKO receives the results from the Belgian Cancer Registry – the GMD will receive the results of all screening smears in a structured manner in the EMD, together with receives the final advice (normal screening schedule/immediate referral to colposcopy/new sample collection required/repeat the smear after twelve months). The lab always sends the result to the customer of the sample and for the diagnostic smears you only receive the date of the sample collection.
On Tuesday, November 19, Domus Medica, together with Dr. Kobe Dewilde, gynecologist at the UZ Leuven, is organizing a webinar from 12 to 1 p.m. about the new HPV screening policy and the HPV vaccination in teenagers.
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HPV Screening Changes in Belgium: What You Need to Know
From January 1, 2025, primary HPV screening will change for the target group aged 30 to 64.
Ah, the thrill of a new year! Resolutions to get fit, quit smoking, and—oh yes—get screened for HPV. Hold on to your hats, ladies, because starting January 1, 2025, Belgium is making some changes that might just have you scheduling a date with that lovely little glass Q-tip once every five years if you’re aged 30 to 64! It’s like a tax return but *way* less exciting.
For those young whippersnappers aged 25 to 29, fear not! You’ll continue with the trusty ol’ cytology test every three years—because who doesn’t love a good smear test every few years? It’s all about fun with pap smears, folks! But let’s not lose our heads; screening isn’t just for the young ones—oh no! Women under 25 aren’t typically invited to join the screenings unless you’re one of those special high-risk groups. So if you’re under 25 and shaking in your boots thinking about this, just chill! You’re still in the *“not yet”* category.
But wait, there’s more! If you happen to be 65 or older and haven’t had a screening reimbursed in ten years, guess what? You get a one-off special! It’s like a birthday party but for your cervix. They recommend something called co-testing (sounds fancy, doesn’t it?) that involves both cytology and HPV tests. Just don’t get too attached, because they don’t recommend this for the age group of 25 to 64 years—so no double feature for you!
And let’s face it, ladies—if something gets messed up with the cotesting, apparently it’s your fault? Typical! So while you’re getting your smear, you’ll have to sign on the dotted line saying, “Yes, I absolutely want to get poked and prodded, and if things go sideways, well, that’s totally on me!” Just what you wanted to think about on a Tuesday, right?
For all you GMD-holding general practitioners out there, buckle up! As the new screening initiative rolls out, expect to receive results in a structured manner courtesy of the Belgian Cancer Registry. You’ll be getting advice straight to your Electronic Medical Record faster than a gossip train at a primary school reunion—normal screening schedule, immediate referrals, new sample collections! You’ll know exactly what to do because it’s like playing Operation but with your patients!
As if that weren’t enough, mark your calendars for November 19! Domus Medica, in cahoots with Dr. Kobe Dewilde from UZ Leuven, is throwing a webinar from 12 to 1 p.m. about the splendid new HPV screening policies and how we’re rolling out the HPV vaccination in teenagers. It’s the must-attend event of the season—think of it as the Oscars, except with fewer sequins and more cervical cancer prevention!
Access to all functionalities is reserved for professional healthcare providers.
If you are a healthcare professional, please log in or register for free to gain full access to this content. If you are a journalist or would like to inform us, please write to redactie@rmnet.be.
**Interview with Dr. Kobe Dewilde on Upcoming HPV Screening Changes in Belgium**
*Interviewer:* Good afternoon, Dr. Dewilde. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the significant changes in HPV screening in Belgium coming into effect on January 1, 2025. Can you give us an overview of what these changes entail?
*Dr. Dewilde:* Good afternoon! Yes, of course. Starting January 1, 2025, primary HPV screening will shift for women aged 30 to 64. They will be screened every five years instead of the current three years. For younger women aged 25 to 29, the screening will continue to be every three years using cytology. Importantly, women under 25 will not be routinely screened unless they are part of high-risk groups.
*Interviewer:* That’s quite a change. What are the expected benefits of this new screening schedule?
*Dr. Dewilde:* The primary goal of these changes is to enhance cervical cancer prevention. By implementing HPV testing every five years for the 30 to 64 age group, we can maintain a balance between effective screening and minimizing the burden on healthcare systems. The molecular HPV test is more sensitive than traditional cytology, which should lead to better detection rates of precancerous lesions.
*Interviewer:* You mentioned the age group of 65 and older. Can you clarify what recommendations are in place for that demographic?
*Dr. Dewilde:* Certainly! For women over 65, if they haven’t had a reimbursed screening in the past ten years, we recommend a one-off co-testing, which includes both cytology and HPV testing. This allows us to assess their current risk effectively. However, cotesting will not be recommended for the younger age group of 25 to 64 years.
*Interviewer:* That’s very insightful. With these changes, how will healthcare providers, like general practitioners, receive the screening results?
*Dr. Dewilde:* Starting in 2025, general practitioners with a GMD will receive results from all screening tests directly in their EMD. This structured information will include final advice on whether the patient needs to stick to the regular screening schedule, be referred to colposcopy, or collect a new sample. This will streamline the communication process and ensure that patients receive timely follow-up care.
*Interviewer:* It sounds like a comprehensive plan. I understand there will be a webinar on this topic. Could you tell us more about that?
*Dr. Dewilde:* Yes, Domus Medica, in collaboration with my team, is organizing a webinar on November 19, where we will discuss the new HPV screening policy and HPV vaccination for teenagers. It’s a great opportunity for healthcare professionals to get in-depth knowledge and ask questions regarding the upcoming changes.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Dr. Dewilde, for shedding light on these important updates. Your efforts in educating both the public and healthcare professionals are invaluable in the fight against cervical cancer.
*Dr. Dewilde:* Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we spread awareness about these changes and equip everyone with the necessary information for better health outcomes.
