Cervix cytology samples revealed increased methylation of the human markers FAM19A4/miR124-2 up to 8 years before adenocarcinoma.

Introduction: Methylation analysis of the promoter region of tumor-suppressor genes has previously shown high sensitivity for detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer. HPV-testing has a high sensitivity to identify women at risk to develop cancer, and has been implemented in cervical screening programs in several countries. But in most HPV-positive women the infection will clear and they will not develop cancer.