• January 6

    • Stephanie Van Houtven

      The story of Stephanie van Houtven (politician at s.p.a. in Borgerhout) shows how secondary use of health data can lead to concrete conclusions and actions.

      The analysis of data generated by routine cervical screening of women across Europe revealed a significant link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. The findings led to the conclusion that regular screening is essential to prevent disease and save lives. As a preventive measure and in response to the data, the Minister of Health, Frank Vandenbroucke, has decided that from January 1, 2025, an HPV test will be used immediately to detect cervical cancer and the test will also be reimbursed. Women between the ages of 30 and 64 will be invited to undergo an HPV test every 5 years to detect cervical cancer. By making regular HPV testing for cervical cancer mandatory, it is hoped that the disease can be prevented or detected in its earliest stages and the mortality rate reduced. This decision comes after Stephanie Van Houtven's plea for the HPV test. Stephanie died in 2023 from the effects of cervical cancer.

      This is a concrete example of compiling individual data and conducting further research for the public interest with a concrete action, namely regular and mandatory HPV testing for women.