In partnership with the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer and supported by the Victorian Government, Cancer Council Victoria launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the self-collection option for cervical screening.
Previously known as the ‘Pap Test’, the Cervical Screening Test is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. The test should be done every five years by women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 who have ever been sexually active. The self-collection option became universally available in Australia in mid-2022 and is expected to be a game-changer in increasing cervical screening participation.
Cancer Council Victoria’s Head of Screening, Early Detection and Immunisation Kate Broun said the self-collection option would help protect more Victorians from cervical cancer.
“Many people put off cervical screening because they find it uncomfortable or embarrassing. There can also be cultural barriers with the test as it has traditionally been done by a doctor or specially trained nurse using a speculum,” Ms Broun said.
“Self-collection can help to break down these barriers by allowing participants to collect their own sample with a swab in a private space at the doctors or another health setting.
“It’s important we ensure all Victorians are aware of this option and can access this potentially life-saving test.”
Find out more about the self-collection option, including a step-by-step guide on how to do the test: www.cancervic.org.au/selfcollection
The self-collection option became universally available in australia in mid-2022 and is expected to be a game-changer in increasing cervical screening participation.