Newsroom

Cervical Screening Awareness Week 2023 is here, and as such, we want to take the time to highlight the critical significance of early detection and prevention. This week holds a significant meaning for our team at Genefirst, as we are relentlessly committed to transforming the landscape of cervical cancer prevention.

Cervical cancer is a common form of cancer that affects women worldwide. It is also the fourth most common cancer in women, with over 500,000 new cases diagnosed yearly. Although screening programs for cervical cancer have been in place for decades, many women don't utilise them due to a lack of accessibility and awareness.

We are on a mission to bring this to an end.

Currently, the most common cervical cancer screening method is still the pap test, which looks for abnormal cells in the cervix. However, this method is only sometimes accurate, and there is a risk of false negatives or positives.

Unleashing the Potential

More recently, cervical cancer screening has utilised DNA testing as the primary way to identify high-risk HPV strains. While DNA testing remains essential, it does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the risk of developing cervical cancer.

At the core of our mission against cervical cancer is the integration of cutting-edge technology and scientific expertise, exemplified by our groundbreaking work with the GeneFirst Papilloplex® HPV testing system.

Incorporating mRNA testing into the screening process with the Papilloplex® HR-HPV mRNA kit adds a powerful additional layer of information, significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of screening outcomes.

Understanding the Risk: HPV and Cervical Cancer

Before we dive into the specifics of our innovative Papilloplex® HPV testing system, let's explore the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. HPV infection is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer, accounting for more than 95% of cases.

Persistent HPV infection leads to the expression of viral E6 and E7 oncogenes, which play a critical role in the progression from cervical neoplasia to invasive cervical cancer. In cervical carcinomas, the E6 and E7 proteins are essential in initiating significant cellular changes that trigger cell proliferation, inhibit apoptosis, reprogram differentiation, and cause chromosomal instability. As a result, early screening and detection of HPV is crucial in preventing the development of cervical cancer.

The Papilloplex® HR-HPV mRNA Kit

At Genefirst, we have developed the Papilloplex® HR-HPV mRNA kit, a breakthrough in cervical cancer screening. This kit complements the Papilloplex® HR-HPV DNA kit, and we designed it to detect E6/E7 mRNA (messenger RNA). Identifying individuals at risk of cervical cancer without the need to monitor for persistent infection significantly enhances screening accuracy.

Cervical Screening Awareness Week 2023 serves as a reminder of the vital role screening plays in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. By identifying individuals at high risk earlier and more accurately, we can improve patient outcomes and work towards a future where cervical cancer is preventable.

Let's join forces to spread awareness about the importance of cervical screening, share knowledge about the latest advancements in screening technologies, and encourage individuals to prioritise their cervical health.

Click here to learn more or get involved in Cervical Screening Awareness Week.