Key Points
- Cervical screenings save lives by detecting the presence of the human papillomavirus.
- If not detected early, HPV infections can lead to serious health problems including cancer.
- Women from multicultural backgrounds are under-screened.
- Self-screening removes cultural barriers to testing.
More than 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases occur in people who have never been tested or who are overdue for testing.
That’s a very good reason to have a test, or what’s called a cervical screening.
How do cervical screenings help prevent cervical cancer?
“It does this by detecting early changes in the cells of the cervix, especially the presence of the human papillomavirus, which can lead to a cell change that may become cancerous over time,” Dr Ahlam Ibrahim says. She is a Sydney-based GP, community educator and founder of the Sudanese Australian Health Wellbeing Association.
Catching cell changes early means they can be monitored and treated before cancer develops.
Cervical screenings are managed by the National Cervical Screening Program. NCSP aims to capture everyone at risk of the human papillomavirus, or HPV. And once you’ve had your first screening, they’ll send you a reminder when your next test is due.
When it comes to cervical screening, women from multicultural backgrounds are being left behind, and particularly newly arrived women.
Who should do a cervical screening?
The answer is anyone who is at risk of HPV.
Screenings are recommended for all women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 74 who have ever been sexually active, Dr Ibrahim says.
“The test is done every five years, provided the results are normal. Even if you have had the HPV vaccine, you still need to screen regularly for the virus because the vaccine doesn't cover all the cancer-causing HPV types.”
How can I get tested?
You can visit your local GP clinic, community health centre or women’s health clinic and some Aboriginal Medical Services.
If you hold a Medicare card the appointment is usually bulk billed, so there are no out-of-pocket expenses.
However, you may have an out of pocket expense when visiting a doctor that does not bulk bill.
There are two types of tests available. During your appointment, your healthcare provider will explain the two options.
What are the two types of tests?
You can decide to have your doctor or nurse do the test in the clinic.
“We collect the sample by small brush from the upper vagina,” Dr Ahlam explains.
There is now the option to do a self-collection, without the help of a clinician.
“This allows the person to collect the sample using a small swap that can be inserted into the vagina. It is a private, simple option and just as accurate for HVP detection.”
Either test should take only a few minutes.
Dr Ahlam Ibrahim
What are the benefits of self-collection?
Health consumer Jyotsna Oliver attended a community information session where she learned about the option for self-collection.
“With cervical screening, as we all know, we've always associated it with a bit of discomfort, both physically and emotionally because there's often a feeling of vulnerability during those doctor-led appointments,” Ms Oliver says.
“And that's why when I learnt about the self-swab cervical screening option, I was curious... After I tried it, I can honestly say it was a very positive experience.”
After booking an appointment with her GP the test was straightforward.
“They went through the cervical screening process and handed over the kit to me. The instructions on the kit were really simple to follow.”
I think it's just the full privacy and control and not just being a passive patient that was big for me. Definitely there was very, very reduced stress.Jyotsna Oliver, health consumer
Overcoming the barriers to cervical screening
It's exciting to think that Australia could be the first country to eliminate cervical cancer.
But some language and cultural barriers are resulting in lower screening rates among both multicultural and First Nations women.
Working to boost screening numbers in these underserved communities is the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative, a FECCA initiative.
Nidia Raya Martinez is Senior Program Manager with the Collaborative, working with multicultural community organisations across Australia to increase rates of testing.
When it comes to cervical screening, women from multicultural backgrounds are being left behind, and particularly newly arrived women, Ms Martinez says.
Own It Poster
This is why the self-collection test is a game changer.
By taking control of their own cervical screening, women no longer experience the barriers that might have prevented them from taking the potentially life-saving test.
“It still needs to be done in the health clinic, but you can go behind the screen, discreetly take off your clothing, take your sample yourself and then return it to the doctor, or sometimes they tell you to go to the toilet to do that. And that's just such a great option for those that may be uncomfortable, particularly if it's a male doctor.”
Getting information out into the communities
The Collaborative has seen an uptake in cervical screenings thanks to their partnerships with community organisations. Through community events women are taking up the opportunity to educate themselves and book in for screenings, sometimes as a group.
“But also later on those who get information then feel comfortable to talk to their doctor about screening, and also I think to talk to their friends and family,” Ms Martinez says.
“And men going back to their homes and suggesting to their wives, their daughters, their mothers that perhaps they should get a screen as well.”
Don’t put it off
It’s normal for people to delay their tests, Ms Oliver says, but there’s no good reason to put it off.
“Give self-swab a go. Your future self will thank you.”
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