Cervical cancer

self-screening rates at record high

Thousands of Australian women are receiving a life-saving test for cervical cancer as new data shows the success of the self-collection screening option.

13 March 2024

 

ANNUALLY, about 800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Australia, with about 70% of these cases occurring in women who have never screened or were not up-to-date with their screening. Having regular screening tests is the best way for protection.

 

The government expanded screening test options in July 2022, offering self-collection as a choice to all women aged between 25 and 74 participating in a Cervical Screening Test. The traditional ‘pap smear’ test is still available to women who prefer this option, however many have found it uncomfortable and may have avoided cervical cancer screening.

 

New data released today on HPV Awareness Day shows more than 315,000 Australian women have self-collected. Twenty-seven per cent of all screening tests are now done this way – a huge increase on the 1 per cent before the expansion.

 

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney “Labor’s expansion of the do-it-yourself test is saving lives. We’re seeing women who would other not be screened, take the test.

 

“As a former nurse, I understand the importance of providing tailored and accessible healthcare to women. These tests are doing just that – they’re more private, culturally safe and available to women in remote areas.

 

“The increase in testing rates in the Northern Territory and among First Nations Australians is a big success story. It puts us closer to closing the gap on First Nations testing rates so we can drive down the rate of cervical cancer in these communities.

 

“This data is a reminder that Australia is on track to be the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer.”

 

The option to self-screen – being more private and discreet – has been particularly positive for people who have never screened or are overdue. In the past year, 1 in 3 first-time screeners and 40 per cent of overdue screeners took up the self-collection option.

 

In the Northern Territory, self-collection is more than double the national average, at 47 per cent, while nationally, older women are setting the pace with 34 per cent of women aged between 70‑74 opting to self-collect.

 

The self-collect option is available wherever cervical screening is conducted, including GP clinics, women’s health clinics, Aboriginal health centres and other healthcare providers.

 

Australia is set to become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035 following the release of the National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer and a $48.2 million investment to support implementation.

 

For more information visit National Cervical Screening Program.