We’re on track to eliminate cervical cancer in Victoria.
"If I hadn’t gone in for my [Pap] test when I did, I probably wouldn’t be here today,” said Geelong resident, Tracey, who recently celebrated ten years of being cancer free.
At age 33, Tracey went in for a routine Cervical Screening Test feeling fit and healthy. When her doctor called a couple of weeks later to tell her she needed to go back in for further testing she was shocked.
“I wasn’t overdue, and my previous tests had all come back negative, so I wasn’t expecting anything to come up,” said Tracey.
Tracey, cancer survivor, with her friend
“I went back in for more tests and a few weeks later I was diagnosed with stage 2b cervical cancer. I just couldn't believe it.”
Tracey was fortunate that because the cancer was detected early it was able to be treated.
Significant advancements in HPV immunisation, cervical screening, and treatments have put Victoria on track to be one of the first jurisdictions in the world to eliminate cervical cancer. You are playing a key role in ensuring under-screened communities are not left behind and can access the healthcare information and support they need to prevent, detect, and treat cervical cancer.
The Cervical Screening Test is the best protection against cervical cancer, but there are many eligible people who are not participating in cervical screening - increasing their risk of developing cervical cancer. Recent data from Cancer Council Victoria’s Victorian Cancer Registry shows that women living outside of major cities in Victoria are 28 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer compared to those living in major cities.
With funding from generous Victorians and the Freemasons Foundation Victoria, Cancer Council Victoria, launched a campaign in regional Victoria to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening and the empowering new self-collection option.
“We’re proud to support Cancer Council Victoria’s cervical screening awareness campaign in regional Victoria. Ensuring those living in regional and remote areas have access to public health information and services is vital to realising our vision for a stronger and healthier Victoria,” said Mr Neil Cripps, Executive Officer, Freemasons Foundation Victoria.
Lending her story to the campaign, Tracey is now urging all women and people with a cervix in regional Victoria to go and do their Cervical Screening Test if they are due or overdue.
“It’s so important to do the test as soon as you are due, even if you are feeling healthy and don’t have any symptoms - you just never know,” Tracey said.
Cervical screening
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and can be successfully treated if detected early. Routine cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancer.
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