Cervical screening is a crucial part of women’s preventative health, designed to detect early signs of cervical cancer. The cervical screen can detect the presence of the most dangerous strain of cancer-causing viruses, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), long before cancer forms. HPV can be transmitted through sexual activity involving all types of genital contact, regardless of a sexual partner’s gender. Almost all sexually active adults will come into contact with HPV in their lifetime.
Thanks to advancements in medical technology and changes in Australian healthcare guidelines, women now have more control than ever before over their health with the introduction of self-collected cervical screening tests.
What Is Self-Collected Cervical Screening?
Self-collected cervical screening allows women to collect their own sample for testing, offering a more comfortable and less invasive option compared to the traditional clinician-collected method. This method involves using a simple swab to collect a sample from the vagina, which is then tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that can cause cervical cancer. In practical terms, the test is usually carried out by the patient in the clinic bathroom after consulting with the doctor.
Unfortunately, this test doesn’t check for STD’s or any other problems, but please discuss arranging a STD screen at the same time as your cervical screen with your GP if you would like a full sexual health check-up.
Who Can Opt for Self-Collection?
As of July 2022, all eligible women aged 25 to 74 in Australia can choose self-collection as an alternative to the clinician-collected cervical screening test. This option is available as part of the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) and is particularly beneficial for women who have been reluctant to undergo traditional testing due to discomfort, cultural reasons, or personal preferences.
We’re on track to achieve cervical cancer elimination!
To eliminate cervical cancer, all countries must reach and maintain an incidence rate of below 4 per 100 000 women. Achieving that goal rests on three key pillars and their corresponding targets:
- vaccination: 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15;
- screening: 70% of women screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45;
- treatment: 90% of women with pre-cancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed.
Australia is on track to be the first country in the world to possibly eliminate cervical cancer by 2035. Keep up the good work!
