DNA-HPV test, available on SUS. João Risi/Ministry of Health Women aged 30 to 64 covered by the Unified Health System (SUS) in Belém can now take the DNA-HPV test in 24 basic health units in the capital. The test, which is beginning to replace the Pap smear in the municipal network, detects the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer. According to an estimate from the National Cancer Institute (Inca), Pará should register around 2,500 new cases of the disease in 2026. Since it began to be offered, in December 2025, the test has already been carried out by more than a thousand women. According to the Municipal Health Department (Sesma), Belém accounts for more than half of the collections made in Pará, processed by the Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC). DNA-HPV is part of the Ministry of Health's strategy to reorganize cervical cancer screening. While the Pap smear identifies changes in the cells of the cervix, the new test directly detects the presence of the virus even before lesions appear, allowing for earlier monitoring. According to the technical reference coordinator for Women's Health at Sesma, Aline Gobbo, a positive result for HPV does not mean that the woman has cancer. "Most of the time, the body itself eliminates the virus. However, when the infection persists for many years, it can develop into lesions that, if left untreated, can turn into cancer. Therefore, early diagnosis makes all the difference", he states. Who can take the exam People with a cervix between 30 and 64 years old who have already started their sexual life and have not had a preventive exam for more than two years or have never had the procedure can take the test. Required documents ID; CPF; SUS card; Proof of residence. How to prepare Not having your period on the day of collection; Avoid sexual intercourse in the 48 hours before the exam; Do not use vaginal medications, creams, ointments or eggs in the 48 hours prior to collection; Perform intimate hygiene normally on the day of the exam, without using vaginal douches. Where to do it The test is available at the following health units: UBS Bengui I; UBS Bengui II; UBS Curió; UBS Fátima; UBS Icoaraci; UBS Marambaia; UBS Paraíso dos Pássaros; UBS Providencia; UBS Telegraph; UBS Combu; UBS Jurunas; UBS Guamá; UBS Terra Firme; UBS Águas Lindas; UBS Cabanagem; UBS Pratinha; UBS Condor; UBS Tapanã; UBS Cremation; ESF Airport; ESF Maracajá; ESF Outeiro; ESF Mangueirão; ESF Baía do Sol. Who can take the test The DNA-HPV test is aimed at people with a cervix between 30 and 64 years old who have already started their sexual life and who have not had a preventive test for more than two years or have never had the procedure. To take the exam, you must present an identity document, CPF, SUS Card and proof of residence. The advice is that the patient is not menstruating on the day of collection, avoids sexual intercourse in the previous 48 hours and does not use medications or vaginal creams during the same period. The exam is available in 24 units of the Belém municipal health network. Click and follow the g1 Pará channel on WhatsApp