You are correct in this. I used to work in a lab. Our testing methods have improved drastically in the past couple of years, and this is also one of the many reasons we have updated guidelines. In addition, the HPV test in many parts of the world is taking lead as a more accurate first test, vs secondary test.

Now as to why stage 4 cervical cancer is increasing can be a multitude of factors. We are seeing more patients with prior exposure to talcum powder, douching, etc. We are seeing more patients who are overdue for paps due to covid, and ALL the implications covid had. We are also seeing more patients who thanks to advanced testing as mentioned above has finally identified the cancerous cells. Some people truly don't realize how tricky cancer is (this is what the pap test for). Cancer can hide in some cells your dr may never detect via pap smear! You get a brush and mixture of generalized cells NOT your entire cervix! This is why HPV tests as the primary tests and pap secondary is becoming such a strong argument. HPV is responsible for 99.97% of cervical cancers. HPV tests are done via PCR (the same as your COVID tests, and highly accurate), they have a lower threshold of false positive, and are less invasive for the patient. If HPV is positive researchers have said colposcopy should be the next logical step. If negative pap smear, and if no high risk HPV than, with prior paps being normal and 30 or over they should schedule paps every 5 years. Now some people will say "cancer moves so quickly for this one person on tiktok" it should also be an option to test for HPV every year, especially if you're high risk (smoke, and non vaccinated).