On the Coast – Families Issue 94 I June/July 2018 | Seite 36
What you need to know
about changes to the Pap Smear Test
20 HPV virus types cause cancers
including cervical, head and neck, penile,
vulva and vagina, anal and skin
Not everyone infected with those HPV
types develops cancer
Most of those cancer cases are caused
by HPV16 or HPV18
In 2002, WHO estimated HPV caused
5.2 per cent of all cancers worldwide.
You have probably heard by
now that the historical ‘pap
test’ has now changed in
Australia. Below we cover
what you need to know about
the changes and what this
then means for you.
As of December last year,
Pap Smears are not quite the
same!
Cervical cancer screening
in Australia has changed from
two-yearly pap testing to five-
yearly HPV testing. Although
the examination is basically
unchanged, pathology now
will be looking for HPV
(human papilloma virus), the
virus that causes cervical
cancer in 99% of cases.
Less often, more accurate
What’s changed: A Snap Shot
You'll be tested every five
years, instead of every two
You won't start having
tests until you’re 25 years
old, up from 18 years old
Self-collection using
vaginal swabs will be an option for
some women
Tests will now continue until you’re 74,
instead of stopping when you turn 69
Cervical screening as a routine only is
available for 25–74 years and will now be
performed only every 5 years. This sounds
like a long time, but it takes 5–10 years for
the virus to cause cancerous changes.
Why the switch?
The switch in testing is more accurate and
expected to reduce cervical cancer rates
by up 30% and therefore resulting in fewer
deaths and less anxiety for women about
to have a pap test.
How is the Cervical Screening Test
different to the Pap test?
The method of sample collection is the
same in both the Pap test and the Cervical
Screening Test – so if you’ve had a Pap test
before, you won’t notice any difference at
your screening appointment.
A Pap test (or Pap smear) looked for
cells in the cervix that had changed or
become abnormal. The Cervical Screening
Test looks for HPV – the infection that
causes these cell changes.
36
KI DZ O N T H E C OA S T
Do you still have to have the test
if you're HPV vaccinated?
Yes. Even if you've had the HPV vaccine,
you could still get it, and should be
tested.
The vaccine, which is given to girls and
boys aged between 12 and 14 as part
of Australia's National HPV Vaccination
Program, protects against the two most
common types of HPV — but not all.
Do other countries screen this way?
While many countries are considering the
change, Australia will be one of the first in
the world to change from pap test to HPV
tests.
More about HPV:
HPV: the cancer-causing virus
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection
Up to 80 per cent of adults will be
infected at some point
More than 120 HPV viruses are known
to infect skin and mucous membranes
Many carriers do not know they are
infected and fight off the infection
without symptoms
Some HPV types cause warts — such as
flat warts, genital warts, and plantar
warts
What else can I do to prevent
cervical cancer?
Take actions to decrease your risk of
contracting a sexually transmitted
infection (STI); for example, always
using condoms
Consider the HPV vaccine. If you were
not vaccinated as part of the school-
based program, speak to your GP about
whether this option is right for you
Quitting smoking (or never starting) is a
key step in protecting yourself against,
and reducing your risk of, cervical
cancer
It is an exciting era that we now enter
and a great step forward for women’s
health in Australia. Please speak with your
GP and they will be happy to answer any
questions you may have regarding these
changes.
Women of any age who experience
symptoms, such as pain or unusual
bleeding, should speak to their doctor or
nurse immediately and not wait for their
next Cervical Screening Test.
You can also contact our highly
experienced and caring Women’s Health
nurses who will be happy to assist you
with any queries or concerns.
More information
www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/
screening/publishing.nsf/content/cervical-
screening-1
MARINERS MEDICAL
www.marinersdoctors.com.au
TUGGERAH MEDICAL CENTRE
www.tuggerahdoctors.com.au
TOUKLEY FAMILY PRACTICE
www.toukleydoctors.com.au
WARNERVALE GP SUPER CLINIC
www.warnervaledoctors.com.au