All the area’s GP practices have participated in the research, which has been checking the validity of urine HPV testing for cervical cancer and pre-cancer, as an alternative to smears.
And a report on the positive findings will go before Dumfries and Galloway NHS officials on Monday.
They will hear that a ‘vast amount’ of data has been gathered locally and it shows there could be a case for totally redesigning screening services.
Chief operating officer Julie White said: “This non-intrusive testing could form the basis of a completely redesigned screening service that could reduce inconvenience and discomfort for patients, save money, and probably increase participation rates so a greater number of patients take part in the testing.”
She added: “We feel that this requires urgent national support – and decisions are required to be made in the future as historic HPV immunisation becomes more prevalent.”
