The changes to the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) due to come into effect in May 2017 will reduce pressure on services on the Mid North Coast according to Cancer Council NSW research program manager Megan Smith.
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A human papilloma virus (HPV) test to be conducted once every five years will replace the current two yearly pap smear program.
“Every five years is more effective, just as safe and was estimated to result in at least a 20 per cent reduction in incidence and mortality from cervical cancer in Australian women, compared to the current two yearly pap smear test program,” Ms Smith said.
“This means that it’s a win-win situation for women with fewer screens in their lifetime (down from about 26 to 10), but better protection.”
Under the new program the starting age for screening for women will be 25-years-old, which has been confirmed as safe by a Cancer Council study released in October.
“Screening women younger than 25 years of age has not changed the rate of cervical cancer diagnoses,” she said.
“Cervical cancer in young women is rare, and screening is not effective in preventing these rare cases.
“Further, investigating and treating common cervical abnormalities in young women that would usually resolve by themselves may increase the risk of pregnancy complications later in life.”
Over the long term, cervical cancer cases are expected to drop by at least 20 per cent, and this will result in less pressure on cancer treatment services.
“This is absolutely a positive development for women,” Ms Smith said.
HPV vaccination has been shown to substantially reduce cervical abnormalities among women younger than 25 years of age by 36 per cent.
Ms Smith said vaccinations will continue to reduce the risk of cervical abnormalities for this age group.
