Cervical Screening Clinic After-Hours
We are pleased to announce that Dr Desi Psaromatis will be running a dedicated Cervical Screening Clinic at our Marden Practice.
It will be held every 4 weeks on a Saturday morning for patients wanting to have this screening after-hours.
To book your appointment please call us on 8230 6900.
Cervical screening saves lives
The National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) aim is to reduce the impact of cervical cancer.
Cervical screening is a straightforward test performed by your doctor, nurse or health worker. It checks for the presence of HPV – a virus that can cause cervical cancer.
Cervical screening does not check for, or prevent, other cancers such as ovarian or endometrial cancer.
Why screening is important
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Most cervical cancers occur in women who have never screened or do not screen regularly. Having regular screening tests is the best way to protect yourself. The test detects the presence of HPV so that it can be monitored or investigated further if needed.
Since the program began in 1991, the number of women developing cervical cancer has decreased significantly.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in a woman's cervix - the entrance to the womb from the vagina.
It happens when there are changes in some cells lining the cervix. Sometimes these abnormal cells grow and multiply, and can develop into cancer.
The new Cervical Screening Test is more effective
The Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap test in 2017. We expect it to protect up to 30% more women.
The Pap test used to look for cell changes in the cervix. The new test looks for HPV (a common infection spread during sexual activity) which can lead to those cell changes.
A HPV vaccine is available. It protects against up to 9 types of HPV, including those that cause around 70% of cervical cancers. Since the HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, vaccinated women still need to have regular cervical screening.
Who should get a Cervical Screening Test?
You are eligible for the test if you:
- are aged between 25 and 74
- have ever been sexually active
- are a woman or person with a cervix.
Find out more about whether you should get a Cervical Screening Test.
For more information: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-cervical-screening-program/about-the-national-cervical-screening-program
Source: Department of Health, "About the National Cervical Screening Program", https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-cervical-screening-program/about-the-national-cervical-screening-program