Regular cervical screening still vital
There was still the opportunity to build on the historic gains in the prevention of cervical cancer and further improve the health of Australian women, Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, said.
There was still the opportunity to build on the historic gains in the prevention of cervical cancer and further improve the health of Australian women, Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, said.
“In Australia, we have made huge strides in preventing, screening, diagnosing and treating cervical cancer,” Ms Plibersek said.
“Since 1991, when the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) began offering screening every two years, the incidence of and death rate from cervical cancer among Australian women has halved.
“But it’s important to remember that the biggest risk for cervical cancer is not having regular Pap tests to detect abnormalities early.
The National HPV (human papillomavirus) Vaccination Program which began for girls in 2007 and was extended to boys in 2013, was great news for women but did not replace the need for regular cancer screening, she claimed.
“HPV vaccination will not prevent all cases of cervical cancer. Women in the target age group should still have regular screening for cervical cancer whether they are vaccinated or not,” she said.
“If you are a woman aged 18 to 69 you cannot afford to be complacent. If you haven’t been screened in the last two years make an appointment with your general practitioner or health centre now.”
A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that while more than 80% of women had a Pap test within a five year period, in 2010-11, only 57% of the women in the target age group had a cervical cancer test every two years as recommended – this is a decrease from 58% in 2009-10 and 59% in 2008-9.
“We can continue to improve the health of Australian women,” said Ms Plibersek.
“The cervical screening program is being reviewed to consider changes over the past 20 years to the science and technologies of the screening program.
“This will ensure that we can use any opportunities to improve the program and strategies to improve participation by women who are not having regular screens,” she said.
The review is due for completion in mid-2014.
