Cervical Cancer Screening Change

From this year, the screening process for cervical cancer will change.Under the new guidelines, women under the age of 25 will no longer be advised to have pap smears.While experts have welcomed the advent of new technologies, some say the change could mean more young women do not have cervical cancer diagnosed until the disease has become more advanced.

Jessica Seaborn Source: SBS

From this year, the cervical cancer screening guidelines will change.

Until now, screening has begun either from the age of 18, or within two years of becoming sexually active, but under the new guidelines, women will be advised to begin pap smears after they turn 25.

Dr Andrew Zuschmann is from the National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, says the changes are due to the successful Human Papillomavirus Vaccination program, which has eradicated most strains of the virus that lead to cervical cancer.