Poland to Replace Cytology with HPV High‑Risk Test for Cervical Cancer Screening
From 1 August 2026 Poland’s cervical cancer screening program will switch from conventional cytology to a high‑risk HPV (HPV HR) molecular test. The change is mandated by a regulation of the President of the National Health Fund (NFZ) and applies to women aged 25‑64, covering about 10.2 million eligible women.
No medical referral is required; participants can enrol via the Internet Patient Account, the mojeIKP app, or directly at participating clinics. A positive HPV HR result triggers a follow‑up liquid‑based cytology (LBC) on the same sample, with further referral to colposcopy if abnormal cells are found. The HPV HR test is reported to be roughly twice as effective as cytology in detecting pre‑cancerous lesions, according to the National Oncology Institute.
The new protocol requires approximately 1,610 facilities that previously performed cytology to adapt their procedures and reporting systems. Contracts for classic cytology will expire on 31 July 2026, after which the HPV HR test will be performed every five years for negative results and after one year for positive results or high‑risk groups, with some groups offered a three‑year interval.
Entities: HPV High‑Risk (HPV HR) test · National Health Fund (NFZ) · National Oncology Institute · Polish Ministry of Health
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The regulation authorizing the change was issued by the President of the National Health Fund (NFZ) and enters into force on 1 August 2026; contracts for classic cytology expire on 31 July 2026. (NFZ regulation)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The screening program targets women aged 25 to 64, approximately 10.2 million eligible women. (Ministry of Health)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The HPV HR test is about twice as effective as cytology in detecting pre‑cancerous cervical lesions, according to a study by the National Oncology Institute. (National Oncology Institute study)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Around 1,610 facilities that previously performed cytology will need to adapt their procedures and IT reporting systems to the new HPV HR testing protocol. (Ministry of Health)
- [● 3 SOURCES] From 1 August 2026 the HPV HR test will replace conventional cytology as the primary cervical cancer screening method in Poland. (NFZ regulation)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The HPV HR test does not require a medical referral; women can register online via the Internet Patient Account, the mojeIKP app, or at testing sites. (NFZ regulation)
- [● 3 SOURCES] HPV HR testing will be performed every five years for negative results and after one year for positive results or high‑risk groups, with some groups offered a three‑year interval. (Ministry of Health)
- [● 3 SOURCES] A positive HPV HR result will be followed by liquid‑based cytology (LBC) on the same sample for further assessment. (Screening protocol)