Test for Cervical Cancer. Is a Pap Smear the best option?

Cervical cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. is a hot topic for the media right now. The Guardian - which earlier this year drew attention to the rise in demand for cervical cancer screening thanks to what they called "Jade Goody effect" - ran a piece this weekend titled "Why I'm never going to have another smear test" which prompted a furious online debate.

Last week medical blogger Kevin MD asked whether the smear will soon be replaced by a DNA test to detect cervical cancer. In his blog post he references a paper which recently appeared in the NEJM and an article in the New York Times. I've passed the piece along to Adeola Olaitan and asked for her opinion.