Brimbank has one of the lowest rates for cervical cancer screenings in the state, according to recent Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry data.
The statistics reveal that just 54.9 per cent of women in Brimbank had their two-yearly pap tests in 2012-13 – up only 0.3 per cent from the previous 12 months despite repeated calls from PapScreen Victoria for women to be more vigilant. The state average for screening participation is 60.4 per cent.
St Albans ISIS Primary Care youth and women’s health nurse Fiona Davies said the problem in Brimbank was women being unaware of the test.
“A large proportion of women living in this area are from overseas, new migrants and refugees who weren’t screened in their home countries and are often not aware the test is available,” Ms Davies said.
“Women may feel awkward and shy, or be misinformed, thinking they don’t need it because they have no current partner or are no longer sexually active.”
PapScreen Victoria manager Hiranthi Perera said up to 90 per cent of cervical cancer cases could be avoided with regular screening.
“A pap test is the only way to look for abnormal changes to the cells on the cervix, which if left undetected and untreated could develop into cervical cancer.
“I encourage all women [for whom it’s appropriate] to make an appointment for a quick and simple pap test today.”
Ms Davies said the she thought the best way to encourage women to be screened was to keep the test free.
“Some laboratories and GPs charge the woman for the testing,” Ms Davies said.
‘I also think there needs to be more female providers and an increase in the availability of clinics, with more funding.”
National guidelines recommend that women aged 18 to 70 who have ever been sexually active undergo a pap test every two years.
Pap tests are recommended even after taking the HPV vaccine.
In 2013 in Victoria, there were 213 new cases of cervical cancer and 43 deaths from the disease.
