Cervical cancer screening reminder

This National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week (8-14 November), Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is reminding people of the benefits of regular and early cancer screening and check if their screening is up to date.

Local GP and MPHN Chair Dr Jodi Culbert said all eligible people should be getting screened regularly as the best way to protect against Cervical Cancer.

“Cervical screening tests help detect HPV, a common infection that causes almost all cervical cancers. The test is simple and can be performed by at your local general practice,” Dr Culbert said.

“Even if you've had the HPV vaccination, if you're a woman or person with a cervix, aged 25-74, and have ever been sexually active, you still need to screen for cervical cancer.”

With the uncertainty and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more women (and those with a cervix) have fallen behind in keeping up-to-date with their Cervical Screening this year.

“The pandemic has certainly contributed to less people coming in for regular cervical cancer screening. We are encouraging anyone who may have missed a screening to talk to their GP this week to book a test,” Dr Culbert said.

“Almost all cervical cancers are preventable with early detection, if you know someone who is eligible and has never screened or hasn’t screened for some time, encourage them to talk to their GP.”

Click here to find a local healthcare provider near you or here to learn more about the National Cancer Screening Program.