Cervical screening is the best protection against cervical cancer, but there are many eligible people who are not participating in cervical screening – and this effectively increases their risk of developing cervical cancer.
Recent data from Cancer Council Victoria’s cancer registry shows that women living in rural areas are less likely to participate in cervical screening and more than 20 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer than people living in major cities.
Gippsland Lakes Complete Health’s Clinic 281 provides a range of sexual and reproductive health services that can help with the screening process.
Having regular cervical screening tests are important if you are aged between 25 and 74, even if you have already been vaccinated.
What you need to know about cervical screening:
– The cervical screening test replaced the Pap test in December 2017. If you haven’t had a test since then, you’re now overdue
– The new cervical screening test now looks for HPV (human papillomavirus, which causes almost all cervical cancers), not just abnormal cells (like the Pap test used to)
– A better test means you will only need to screen every five years after your first HPV cervical screening test
– You are eligible for cervical screening after the age of 25, if you have a cervix and have ever been sexually active
People who identify as male or transgender, who have a cervix, are eligible and encouraged to be screened.
All Australian women and people with a cervix can choose to collect their own sample when they see a health professional who also offers cervical screening.
Self-collection is also an option – the doctors and nurses at Clinic 281 can offer support and explain the simple process. It’s easy, private and just as accurate.
If you choose this option, you will be given instructions on how to collect the sample and offered a private place to do so.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected and treated early.
To learn more about the screening program, contact Clinic 281 Bairnsdale, book an appointment via the HotDoc mobile phone app or visit the Cancer Council Australia website.
This information is for people without symptoms of unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge or pelvic pain. If you are experiencing symptoms at any age, consult a health professional. This can easily be arranged at Clinic 281.
