Human Papillomavirus Preventive Screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. The main cause of the disease is the human papillomavirus (HPV). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for HPV detection is a modern laboratory examination that makes it possible to identify the presence of oncogenic types of human papillomavirus and contribute to the prevention of cervical cancer․

STATISTICS

Over the past five years, around 300,000–350,000 deaths from cervical cancer have been recorded annually worldwide.

Regular screening examinations can reduce cervical cancer mortality by up to 80%.

Every 2 minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer somewhere in the world — despite the fact that the disease is both preventable and treatable.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors among women, and in more than 90% of cases its development is caused by oncogenic strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Within the framework of the universal health insurance package, HPV PCR testing is available for women aged 30 to 60. The examination is conducted once every 5 years. The package also includes colposcopic examination and, when clinically indicated, any subsequent diagnostic procedures and treatment.

Testing Methods

The examination can be performed either by a healthcare worker or through self-sampling.
In the case of self-sampling, the woman is provided with a special testing kit, allowing the sample to be collected independently and returned to a primary healthcare facility.

Exceptions include:

women who have never been sexually active,
women who no longer have a cervix after surgery.
women diagnosed with cervical cancer or pre-cancerous cervical conditions.

Medical Centers performing Colposcopy

Astghik MC

Address
28/1 D. Varuzhan Street, Yerevan
Email
malatia_mc@mail.ru
Phone Number
+37411667788

Yerevan Arabkir MC

Address
21 Hrachya Kochar Street, Yerevan
Email
norarabkir@mail.ru
Phone Number
+37491254771

Margaryan Maternity Hospital MMAPC

Beglaryan MC

Erebouni MC

V. A. Fanarjyan National Oncology Center

Armenian-American Wellness Center

Frequently Asked Questions

HPV screening: short answers to frequently asked questions.

What is cervical cancer and what is its primary cause?
Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms among women, and in more than 90% of cases, it is caused by cancer-causing strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Does the presence of HPV mean that a woman has cancer?
The presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) does not mean that a woman has cancer. HPV is a very common virus that is sexually transmitted. Almost all people become infected with this virus at some point in their lives, but the body often clears it on its own. However, certain high-risk strains can persist in the body and require dynamic surveillance to prevent complications.
What is the prevalence of cervical cancer in Armenia?
Cervical cancer ranks fifth among malignancies in women in Armenia, and second in terms of mortality rate. On average, around 250 new cases are registered every year, almost half of which result in a fatal outcome. The main reason for this is the late detection of the disease, as it often progresses for a long time without pronounced symptoms.
Who is eligible to undergo the examination?
The screening is intended for women aged 30 to 60. Exceptions include women who have never been sexually active, women whose cervix is absent post-surgery, and women diagnosed with cervical cancer or precancer.
What screening examination is included in the insurance package?
The insurance package includes the detection of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) using the PCR method, which is performed with WHO-approved, FDA-certified high-quality tests, ensuring high reliability of testing. The package also includes colposcopic examination and, if necessary, subsequent additional examinations and treatment.