Program Overview
The National Cervical Screening Program currently recommends all women aged between 18 and 70 who have ever been sexually active have regular Pap tests.
Cervical screening aims to prevent cervical cancer by detecting early pre-cancerous changes in the cervix.
More information is available at About cervical screening or by calling 13 15 56.
Future changes to cervical screening
Cervical screening helps save lives by preventing cervical cancer
Upcoming changes to the program
The Australian Government has now accepted the evidence based recommendations of the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) that a primary human papillomavirus (HP) test should replace the current Pap test for cervical screening. This will ensure Australian women will have access to a cervical screening program that is safe, effective, efficient and based on current evidence.The renewed National Cervical Screening Program will commence on 1 May 2017 when the HPV screening test will become available on the Medicare Benefits Schedule and the National Cancer Screening Register will be in place to support the renewed clinical pathway.
More information is available on the Future changes to cervical screening page.
Until may 2017, do not delay your 2 yearly Pap test. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
Public Consultation: new Clinical Management Guidelines
The draft Clinical Management Guidelines for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer is available for public consultation from 15 February to 15 March 2016.
This is an opportunity for all stakeholders to provide their feedback into these independently developed Guidelines by Cancer Council Australia.
Feedback can be provided through the Public Consultation Cancer Guidelines Wiki platform.
