Program Overview
The National Cervical Screening Program aims to prevent cervical cancer by detecting early changes in the cervix.
The rate of cervical cancer has halved since the Program began in 1991.
It is currently recommended that all women aged between 18 and 69, who have ever been sexually active, have regular Pap tests.
80 per cent of cervical cancer occurs in women who have never screened or don’t screen regularly.
Future changes to cervical screening
Cervical screening helps save lives by preventing cervical cancer
The renewed National Cervical Screening Program
The Renewal of the National Cervical Screening Program will be implemented on 1 December 2017.
Until the renewed National Cervical Screening Program is implemented, our world-class cervical cancer screening program will continue. It is important that women aged between 18-69 years continue to have Pap smears every two years and talk to their doctor or health care professional if they have any questions.
Read more about the Future changes to the National Cervical Screening Program
More information for health care professionals on the arrangements for cervical cancer screening between now and 1 December 2017 is available on our FAQ page
