We now know that long term infection with certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. Overseas research has shown that a test for these HPV types is, in fact, a better cervical cancer screening test than the Pap smear.
Compass is a randomized controlled trial to compare 2.5-yearly cytology-based cervical screening with 5-yearly primary HPV screening in Australian women aged 25-69.
Compass is being carried out by the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer in collaboration with the Cancer Elimination Collaboration at the University of Sydney. Trial recruitment is now complete; however, some participants remain under trial follow-up. For more information please see the Participants page.
Executive Director – The Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer
MB ChB, Am Bd (Anat Path & Cytopath), FIAC, Grad Dip Med (Clin Epi)
Lead: Cancer Elimination Collaboration, The University of Sydney
D.Phil. FAHMS
The Compass Trial has ethical approval from Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, National Research Evaluation and Ethics Committee (NREEC).
Both HRECs are constituted and operate within the National Health and Medical Research Councils (NHMRC) National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). The process used by these HRECs the multi-centre research proposals have been certified by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Research and Ethics committees ensure studies are performed to the highest scientific standard and in such a manner that the privacy, sensitivities and rights of each person participating in the research are protected. If you have a complaint or would like to speak to someone who is not involved in the trial, you can contact the below details:
