EIT Health-supported Longenesis, and MSD launch online test for cervical cancer risk

Digital health start-up Longenesis, in partnership with Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), and supported by EIT Health, launched an online test in January to raise cervical cancer risk awareness, which was World Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative represents an important step in personalised cancer prevention, empowering women across Europe to better understand their individual risk factors and take proactive measures to safeguard their health.

Cervical cancer remains one of the most common malignancies among women under 45 in Europe. According to the European Cancer Information System, over 60,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year across the EU. [1] Although it is one of the most preventable cancers due to effective screening and vaccination, disparities in incidence and mortality rates persist between countries, largely due to differences in screening uptake and awareness levels. [1]

The online test, developed by Longenesis in partnership with MSD, leverages scientific research to provide personalised risk assessments and actionable prevention recommendations. The test goes beyond conventional online surveys by offering an individually tailored educational report based on each user’s unique lifestyle and risk factors. This level of personalisation aims to motivate women to participate in regular screenings and adopt healthier lifestyles, ultimately reducing cervical cancer incidence across Europe.

“Our goal is to personalise the prevention pathway and support women in Latvia and beyond through digital technologies. The cervical cancer risk awareness test on skrinings.lv platform will serve as a trusted guide, digitally available in a clear and interactive way at a time and place that is convenient for every woman. I am grateful that by joining forces of technology and health innovation experts, healthcare professionals and epidemiologists, we continue to strengthen the health prevention culture,” said Emil Syundyukov, co-founder of Longenesis.

The availability of this digital tool marks a significant step towards achieving the goals of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan,[2] which emphasises early detection and improved cancer prevention strategies. By leveraging digital technologies, Longenesis aims to make information and preventive measures more accessible, particularly in regions with low screening participation rates.

The platform is currently available in Latvian, Russian and English with plans for multilingual versions underway to expand its reach across Europe. This aligns with EIT Health’s mission to foster cross-border collaborations and scale innovative solutions that address pressing healthcare challenges.

“Innovation in digital health plays a crucial role in bridging healthcare disparities across Europe. By empowering women with personalised information and preventive strategies, we are taking proactive steps to reduce cervical cancer mortality and enhance quality of life,” said Armen Manukian, MSD Country Manager for the Baltics.

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which affects approximately 80% of people at some point in their lives. The disease is highly preventable through vaccination and early detection via cervical screenings. Yet, disparities in vaccination and screening uptake across Europe highlight the need for continued awareness and education efforts.

This initiative exemplifies how digital health solutions, supported by cross-border collaborations like those facilitated by EIT Health, can drive impactful changes in cancer prevention and public health across Europe.

To know more, access the platform here.

Learn more about our work to prevent cancer through the Blood based cancer screening (BBCS) Think Tank.

[1] Fact Sheet from ECIS–European Cancer Information System  [Internet]. Available from: Cervical Cancer Factsheet 2021-11-17. Accessed 13/02/2025

[2] Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. Available from: eu_cancer-plan_en_0.pdf. Accessed 13/02/2025.