Researchers said a different test to detect cervical cancer rather than a smear test could reduce cervical cancer deaths for over-35s.

An Italian team said that human papillomavirus (HPV), linked to the disease that picks up cancers earlier, in women less than 35 years of age would mean over-treatment.

For concluding this the team analyzed several women in Italy for three and a half years and they established that HPV testing was far more responsive and sensitive than smear tests.

Researchers stated that HPV testing would need less repetitions.

Dr Guglielmo Ronco and his team, from the Centre for Cancer Prevention in Turin, said, “It should be used as the first check in women over 35 and only those who test positive for the virus should go on to have a smear test and any necessary treatment. Picking up the cancers earlier would save lives."

An expert in cervical cancer however advised concern about not including younger women.