Cervical Screening has Changed
In December 2017, a number of changes were introduced to the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP). These included:
- Replacing the Pap test with the Cervical Screening Test, which detects infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Women whose Cervical Screening Test shows that they do not have oncogenic HPV are classed as 'low risk' and are advised to screen every five years
- Women will be invited to start screening at 25 years of age and should have a final (exit) test when they are between 70 and 74 years of age
- Establishing the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR)
Resources
We support GPs with a range of primary care quality improvement activities.
Western Sydney health professionals can access Cervical Screening pathways on Western Sydney HealthPathways website. To gain access to contact our HealthPathways team at healthpathways@wentwest.com.au or call 8811 7100.
The National Cervical Cancer Screening Program website has comprehensive information for health professionals including evidence, pathology, the new screening pathway and MBS items. The resource library contains information packs, quick reference guides and other materials which can be downloaded or ordered as hard copies.
A FAQ document for health professionals, covering the most frequently asked questions about cervical screening, is also available online.
The Department of Health advises that clinicians should check with their pathology provider that they are accredited to offer patient self-screening. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) website also has a series of videos addressing common questions that GPs receive.
Guidelines for the management of screen-detected abnormalities, screening in specific populations and investigation of abnormal vaginal bleeding can be accessed online.
Information and guidelines concerning screening of women under 25 can be found on the Cancer Screening website. Cancer NSW has also developed a video, which promotes the importance of cervical screening to women. Furthermore, the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation has developed a Comfort Checklist for health professionals to use to minimise the emotional, cultural and physical barriers that prevent women from engaging in regular screening.
To find out more about Cervical Screening including your role in screening, professional development and resources and publications please visit the Cancer Institute NSW webpage.