Key findings from the Compass-PLUS study have just been published that detail factors associated with intention to attend and actual attendance of cervical screening during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Victoria, Australia.
Professor Karen Canfell AC, Director of The Daffodil Centre—a collaborative initiative between Cancer Council NSW and The University of Sydney—was honored with the Companion of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours on 10 June 2024.
Between the 16 – 19th March, Professor Marion Saville represented the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer at Eurogin 2024. Professor Saville’s presentation, titled; Australia: the research and policy response, detailed the background and progress of the Compass trial. This presentation concluded with Professor Saville highlighting the significance of the trials results to date, in addition to discussing plans for future analysis of the trials data. View the full presentation here: Australia – the research and policy response – Eurogin 2024
In 2021 the clinical management guidelines for individuals in whom HPV (not 16/18) is detected and reflex cytology is negative, were reviewed and updated.
From late 2021, the recommendation for individuals under age 50 years of age, in whom HPV (not 16/18) continues to be detected at 12 months can safely be retested in a further 12 months before being referred to colposcopy if HPV detection persists at that time¹,².
This update was made in response to the high volumes of colposcopy referrals coming from individuals and data for the first two years of the renewed National Cervical Screening Program, which showed the very low risk of invasive cervical cancers³.
The changes in the clinical management guidelines and standard care pathways in no way impact the safety of the Compass Trial. The trial was originally designed to be in line with national policy, which has since changed for intermediate risk women. We have not and cannot change the trial protocol – but the existing protocol, which sees women (participants) referred for colposcopic assessment after a second positive HPV test at 12 months, remains safe and effective.
If you are having difficulties accessing colposcopy at 12 months, please contact us to discuss available options.
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