WOMEN will benefit from a new and more effective screening test for cervical cancer.
The new human papillomavirus (HPV) test will prevent up to 30pc more women from developing cervical cancer because it detects HPV, an early risk indicator for cervical cancer.
It is a step forward from the current pap test, which detects cervical abnormalities after they occur.
“The new test is more effective than the current pap test so most women will only need to be tested every five years, instead of every two – the procedure to collect the sample is the same,” Member for Barker Tony Pasin explained.
“Women who are 25 years or older should have their cervical screening test two years after their last pap test – if no HPV is detected, they can then move to a test every five years.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt said cervical cancer was one of the most preventable cancers – but screening is vital.
“Around 80pc of Australian women who develop cervical cancer do not get screened regularly as recommended or have never been screened,” he said.
“The combination of improved cervical screening and the HPV immunisation program is expected to dramatically reduce cervical cancer rates and save lives.”
