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Monday 4 December 2017
On 1 December cervical screening in Australia changed—the Pap Smear was replaced with a new Cervical Screening Test.
Most cervical cancer is preventable and early detection means better outcomes. The new test is expected to protect up to 30 per cent more women.
The new cervical screening program now focuses on detecting HPV, associated with 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the cases in Australia, with evidence suggesting that HPV testing every five years is more effective than screening with a Pap Smear every two years.
The Australian Government Department of Health has released detailed information about the National Cervical Screening Program for healthcare professionals including changes to the Cervical Screening Test, Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), testing guidelines and terminology, and updated screening pathways.
Comprehensive cervical screening services continue to be available via Mater Pathology. For more information about how to access testing or obtain new collection kits, visit pathology.mater.org.au
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