HPV (human papilloma virus) test predicts progress of cervical cancer:

Testing for human papilloma virus (HPV) could predict the progression rate of cervical cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (September 3). Until now there have been no risk markers able to indicate if, and how fast, abnormal cells will progress to cancerous form. An international group of researchers used PCR to screen 2,404 women in Brazil for HPV over an eight-year period. They found that the presence of HPV speeded up the deterioration of abnormal cells by an average of 21 months. They said HPV testing could also cut hospital costs by reducing the need for invasive tests in low-risk women.