Eradicating cancer. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, soon it might be a reality as Australia is on track to be the first country to completely eradicate cervical cancer.
September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness month. In Australia, 12 women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer every day. Cervical cancer is 3rd most common gynaecological cancer, behind uterine and ovarian. But, Australia is leading the way when it comes to reducing the rates of cervical cancer, primarily due to a strong cervical screening rates and the HPV vaccination program in schools.
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a persisting infection with a particular virus, Human Papilloma virus, known as HPV. This virus is incredibly common, with up to 90% of Australian’s being infected at some stage during their lifetime. Like a lot of other viruses, your body can actually clear this virus on its own. However, in a small percentage of women it can persist and go on to cause changes in the cells of the cervix, which in turn can then, if untreated, develop into cervical cancer.
The best way of detecting HPV is with a Cervical Screening Test (CST).
So, lets look at some of the most common questions about cervical cancer screening in Australia.
1. Who needs it?
Women aged 25 - 74 years, who have ever had sexual contact with a person of any gender.
2. How often does it need to be done?
Every 5 years unless otherwise specified by your doctor.
3. Why is it every 5 years now when it used to be every 2 years?
In 2017 the traditional pap smear was replaced by the new cervical screening test (CST). The CST is a more sensitive test, detecting issues earlier than a pap smear could. A pap smear looked at the cells of the cervix to see if there were any changes that could turn into cervical cancer, while the CST tests for the presence of HPV, even before it causes any cell changes. So this is detecting step 1 in the cervical cancer process, whereas the pap smear detected step 2.
4. Can you have a CST when you’re pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to do your cervical screening when pregnant. If you wish to wait, it is recommended to wait until 3 months after you have given birth.
5. What is the self collected test?
You now have the option of doing a self-collected CST, using a small swab to collect a sample that is then sent to test for HPV. In terms of accuracy, a self-test is as accurate as the doctor or nurse collected test when it comes to detecting HPV. If it returns a positive result, you will need to see your doctor to get a sample taken from your cervix.
If you aren’t sure whether you’re up to date with your cervical cancer screening, you can check with your doctor or contact the National Cancer Screening Register.