January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Let’s Talk About Cervical Screening
- Summers Avenue Family Medical Practice
- Jan 9
- 2 min read
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of early detection. While cervical cancer remains a serious health issue in Australia and worldwide, it is also one of the most preventable cancers with regular screening and prevention strategies.
Cervical cancer is largely preventable, yet it continues to affect many women. Globally, around 660,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with approximately 350,000 deaths. In Australia, around 850 to 950 women are diagnosed annually, and Indigenous women experience higher rates of diagnosis and mortality. Despite strong prevention programs, many eligible people still miss regular screening, highlighting the importance of ongoing awareness.
The main cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is very common, and most sexually active people will be exposed at some point in their lives. While many infections clear naturally, persistent infection with high risk HPV types can lead to cell changes in the cervix that may develop into cancer over time. HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer, but screening remains essential as the vaccine does not protect against all cancer causing types.
Australia’s National Cervical Screening Program now uses HPV testing, which is more accurate than the old Pap smear. People aged 25 to 74 years who have a cervix are encouraged to participate. If your HPV test is clear, screening is only needed every five years.
A major update to the program is the option to self collect your screening sample. Eligible patients can collect a vaginal swab themselves, with results just as effective for HPV testing as clinician collected samples. This option can make screening more accessible and comfortable for many people.
If you are unsure when your last cervical screening was, or would like to discuss HPV, vaccination, or screening options, booking an appointment with your GP is a great first step. Early detection saves lives, and cervical screening is now easier and more accessible than ever.
