Recently, the Department of Health in Australia took a big leap in improving women’s health and the prevention of cervical cancer. On the December 1, the Australian National Cervical Screening Program took place. The Pap test, which looks at abnormal cells from the cervical swab, was replaced with a Cervical Screening test, which tests for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) with a swab of the cervical tissue.

The Cervical Screening Test is given every five years instead of two years for Pap tests. According to the Department of Health’s report, it can protect up to 30% more women from Cervical Cancer in comparison to the Pap test.

The screening age has also been moved up to 25 years of age, instead of 18 previously, largely due to a great success in the uptake of the HPV vaccines. The HPV vaccine has recorded an uptake rate of 78.6% of females and 72.9% of males turning 15 last year.  These strategies combined will significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer in the younger generation.

The Australian Department of Health has shown great dedication in reducing the effects of HPV in both men and women.

For more information on how we promote women’s health, please see our programmes.

References:

National Cervical Screening Program. Department of Health, Australian Government. http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/cervical-screening-1. 13 December 2017

National HPV Vaccination Program Register. Department of Health, Australian Government. http://www.hpvregister.org.au/research/coverage-data. 13 December 2017