In September 2024, a nationwide, government-funded cervical screening campaign promoting self-collection is commencing and is expected to result in a substantial increase in patient demand. The ACPCC is supporting healthcare providers to prepare for how they will give their patients the choice of how to engage in cervical screening.
Important reminders for healthcare providers:
- Contact your laboratory to ensure you are set up to offer the choice of self-collection and have the right equipment.
- Understand how self-collection can help overcome barriers for under-screened groups.
- Explore our cervical screening self-collection resource hub for information, education and resources
HPV Self-Collection Fast Facts
- Self-collection is just as sensitive and accurate for the detection of CIN2+/adenocarcinoma in situ and HPV as a clinician-collected speculum examination.
- All participants in routine cervical screening are eligible for self-collection.
- More than 70% of Australians diagnosed with cervical cancer are under-screened or have never screened. Self-collection is a highly acceptable option for many under-screened patients, including those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Patients who are pregnant are eligible for self-collection. Pregnancy is an important time to offer cervical screening. For some patients, this may be one of the few points of contact with the healthcare system.
