Costa Rica shifts to HPV testing for cervical cancer screening

Costa Rica is transitioning its cervical cancer screening paradigm from traditional Papanicolaou (Pap) smears to advanced molecular testing for Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This policy shift follows the results of the ESTAMPA study, a large-scale clinical trial involving 30,606 women. The study demonstrated that HPV testing identified 98 out of 100 cases of severe precancerous lesions or cancer, whereas traditional cytology detected only 48 out of 100 cases.

In addition to these diagnostic advancements, Costa Rica is emerging as a regional hub for medical tourism in oncology. Facilities such as Radioterapia Siglo XXI have obtained international recognitions, including the Novalis Certified status and ACHC accreditation. These certifications have attracted patients from the United States, Canada, India, Russia, Nicaragua, and the Caribbean, as the country's medical centers now offer high-complexity cancer treatments with global safety and quality standards.