HPV testing is a more accurate method of predicting cervical cancer than cervical cytology, a large multinational cohort study has shown. After six years' follow-up the rate of cervical cancer was significantly lower in women negative for HPV than in women with negative cytology results. Pooled data on 24,295 women from seven screening programmes in six European countries, including the UK, were analysed. All had a cytological smear and an HPV test at baseline.