Human papillomavirus DNA testing detects lesions which lead to cervical cancer earlier than conventional cytological techniques, and this early detection could lead to the extension of the current screening interval of five years by at least another year, comments Chris Meijer from VU Medical Centre, Amsterdam in this week's podcast. This extension would be advantageous to women because of a reduction in the lifetime number of screening tests and referrals. An accompanying Comment says that as well as being safe, such extended screening intervals will not only reduce the cost of screening and the burden for women, but will also improve screening participation.