Cervical Screening Update 2017 | Women’s Health Series
In this episode of Dr Nora, I take you through the changes occurring to Cervical Screening from December 2017 as discussed at a recent Women’s Health Update Event I attended at the Gold Coast Private Hospital.
Currently Australia’s Medicare provides cervical cancer screening via a Pap Smear test for women aged between 18-69, every 2 years, once they have become sexually active.
From December 2017, Medicare will be moving towards a more internationally recognised liquid-based cytology approach. The test will not feel any different, but will reduce the number of inadequate tests and the wait time for results.
As these new tests are more efficient, women will now be screened from the ages of 25-74, every 5 years.
In the meantime please note that it is very important for women to continue to participate in the current two yearly Pap test program to ensure they are not at risk of developing cervical cancer.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to leave a comment, or book an appointment for a consultation.