The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Self-collected cervical screening is a great way to prevent cervical cancer. How can we get more people doing it?

  • Written by Nicola Creagh, Research Assistant in Evaluation and Implementation Science, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne

Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer[1] — most cases are caused by long-term infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Screening aims to detect types of HPV associated with cervical abnormalities and cancer. Early detection allows preventative treatment, so cancer doesn’t develop.

Cervical screening is a reasonably invasive procedure, which requires a doctor or nurse to do a pelvic examination and insert a speculum, a medical tool used to help examine the cervix.

Since 2017, many Australian women have had access to “self-collection”, whereby they can collect their own vaginal sample using a small, soft swab (similar to the ones used to collect a COVID test). But many women who are eligible don’t know it’s an option.

Read more: Never had a Pap smear? Now there's a DIY option for you[2]

Our new study[3], published today in the Medical Journal of Australia, found many women prefer this option, and doctors and nurses like having it available.

However, it’s significantly underused in Australia. Between 2017 and 2019, only 6,000 of these tests were conducted[4], out of an estimated one million women eligible.

To prevent as many cases of cervical cancer as possible, we need to find out why this option is being used so rarely, and how can we increase access.

Wait, what’s cervical screening again?

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on countries to progress towards the elimination of cervical cancer[5] as a public health problem.

Australia is considered a global leader in preventing cervical cancer. We have an effective HPV vaccination program[6] delivered through schools, and a longstanding cervical screening program[7].

Self-collected cervical screening is a great way to prevent cervical cancer. How can we get more people doing it? Only 6,000 of one million eligible women used self-collection in cervical screening in 2017-2019. VCS Foundation, Author provided

Having HPV won’t necessarily cause cancer. There are more than 100 types of HPV, and only 14 are associated with it[8]. Having HPV at some point in your life is quite normal. We just need to make sure we pick up any types of HPV associated with cervical cancer.

In Australia, women (and people with a cervix) aged 25-74 are invited to have a cervical screening test every five years. This more accurate test replaced the “Pap” test in December 2017[9], which used to be recommended every two years.

We know women find the test uncomfortable[10]. For many, other barriers — such as past trauma[11] or cultural sensitivity[12] — prevent them having the test.

In Australia, 72% of cervical cancer cases[13] occur in women who are overdue for screening, or who have never been screened. This is concerning, considering only 55%[14] of 35-year-old women have been screened at least once with an HPV test. This is below the WHO’s elimination target of 70% by 2030.

How does self-collection work?

In December 2017, Australia introduced a new screening option[15] where women could take their own samples. This option is only available to women who:

  • are over 30 years old

  • are more than two years overdue (so four or more years since their last Pap test)

  • or who have never been screened

  • and decline a traditional test.

A self-collected test still requires a consultation with a doctor or nurse. But in this supported environment, a woman can collect her own sample.

Self-collection is as accurate[16] as the sample collected by a doctor or nurse. Australian modelling[17] studies[18] suggest self-collection can save lives.

About 6%[19] of people who test positive for some types of HPV need to return to their doctor or nurse for a traditional test to look for cell changes. So the main downside is a small percentage of people who’ve done self-collection will also need to return for a traditional test. Another roughly 2% of women will require referral to a specialist for further assessment.

Both women and health-care providers support self-collection

Data from overseas[20] suggest self-collection is an effective way to screen women who traditionally haven’t been screened enough (or at all).

One Australian study demonstrated 85% of under-screened[21] women who were offered self-collection opted to screen.

Our work with Victorian Aboriginal women indicates self-collection is key to improving the accessibility and acceptability of cervical screening. A review[22] assessing progress towards elimination of cervical cancer for Indigenous people in high-income countries highlighted the critical role that self-collection is likely to play in increasing participation in cervical screening.

Read more: Five myths about the new cervical screening program that refuse to die[23]

Our new study[24] was done in collaboration with cervical cancer prevention organisation the VCS Foundation[25] and the Victorian government. It provides the first insight into what women and doctors and nurses thought about their experience of using self-collection.

Women appreciated the availability of an alternative option — one that addressed many of their barriers. Doctors and nurses regarded self-collection as a “progressive” change, and thought self-collection was effective at re-engaging those who decline a traditional test.

Why is self-collection being used so rarely?

Our study also identified barriers making it difficult for doctors and nurses to use or offer the option of self-collection.

Doctors and nurses found it difficult and time-consuming to determine whether women fit the eligibility criteria. They said it took too long for them to work out who was eligible.

Some doctors and nurses were uncertain about the process. For example, many were unclear whether women could take the test home to complete (they can). This reduced some doctors’ and nurses’ confidence in offering self-collection.

This lack of confidence is consistent with another Australian study[26], which found only 59% of doctors and nurses were confident in discussing self-collection and only 36% believed the test was reliable.

4 ways to increase access

It’s important we increase access to self-collection. This can be achieved through addressing four main points.

First, we need to remove the restrictive eligibility criteria. We’re encouraged the Medical Services Advisory Council recently recommended[27] giving all women the choice of collecting their own sample. We eagerly await the federal government’s decision regarding this recommendation.

Second, we need more education for doctors and nurses to increase their confidence in offering self-collection. This should include clearer guidelines for them.

Third, more HPV tests need to be approved for use with self-collection samples, enabling more pathology labs to process them.

Fourth, we need the National Cervical Screening Program, general practitioners, and nurses and community health organisations to more widely communicate and promote the self-collection option. Women who are hesitant to be screened should know there’s another option.

Increasing access to self-collection is critical to increasing equity in Australia’s screening program. We have the tools to create equity and eliminate cervical cancer[28] as a public health problem in Australia. We need to use them.

References

  1. ^ preventable cancer (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  2. ^ Never had a Pap smear? Now there's a DIY option for you (theconversation.com)
  3. ^ new study (doi.org)
  4. ^ only 6,000 of these tests were conducted (www.mja.com.au)
  5. ^ elimination of cervical cancer (www.who.int)
  6. ^ HPV vaccination program (www.health.gov.au)
  7. ^ cervical screening program (www.health.gov.au)
  8. ^ only 14 are associated with it (www.who.int)
  9. ^ in December 2017 (www.health.gov.au)
  10. ^ uncomfortable (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  11. ^ past trauma (srh.bmj.com)
  12. ^ cultural sensitivity (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  13. ^ 72% of cervical cancer cases (www.aihw.gov.au)
  14. ^ 55% (www.cervicalcancercontrol.org.au)
  15. ^ screening option (www.health.gov.au)
  16. ^ accurate (www.bmj.com)
  17. ^ modelling (www.mja.com.au)
  18. ^ studies (cebp.aacrjournals.org)
  19. ^ About 6% (www.aihw.gov.au)
  20. ^ from overseas (www.bmj.com)
  21. ^ 85% of under-screened (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  22. ^ review (www.sciencedirect.com)
  23. ^ Five myths about the new cervical screening program that refuse to die (theconversation.com)
  24. ^ Our new study (doi.org)
  25. ^ VCS Foundation (www.vcs.org.au)
  26. ^ another Australian study (journals.plos.org)
  27. ^ recommended (www.msac.gov.au)
  28. ^ eliminate cervical cancer (www.who.int)

Read more https://theconversation.com/self-collected-cervical-screening-is-a-great-way-to-prevent-cervical-cancer-how-can-we-get-more-people-doing-it-163360

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

NSW has a new fashion sector strategy – but a sustainable industry needs a federally legislated response

The New South Wales government recently announced the launch of the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, 2025–28[1]. The strategy, developed in partnership with the Australian Fashion ...

From Garden to Gift: Why Roses Make the Perfect Present

Think back to the last time you gave or received flowers. Chances are, roses were part of the bunch, or maybe they were the whole bunch.   Roses tend to leave an impression. Even ...

Do I have insomnia? 5 reasons why you might not

Even a single night of sleep trouble can feel distressing and lonely. You toss and turn, stare at the ceiling, and wonder how you’ll cope tomorrow. No wonder many people star...

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

Can you say no to your doctor using an AI scribe?

Doctors’ offices were once private. But increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) scribes (also known as digital scribes) are listening in. These tools can record and trans...

There’s a new vaccine for pneumococcal disease in Australia. Here’s what to know

The Australian government announced last week there’s a new vaccine[1] for pneumococcal disease on the National Immunisation Program for all children. This vaccine replaces pr...