New test replaces traditional Pap smear

BELLARINE Community Health wants women to be aware that the federal government will tomorrow introduce a change to its national screening program for cervical cancer.

A new test for the human papillomavirus (HPV) will replace the traditional Pap smear from December 1.

The new test needs to be done less often and is more accurate.

Bellarine Community Health provides a free Well Women’s Clinic with cervical screening, and Community Health Nurse Denise Heathcote is encouraging women on the Bellarine to be aware of the changes coming into effect.

“Under the new national cervical cancer screening program, the HPV test will eliminate the need for women to have a Pap smear every two years.

“If you are over the age of 25 you will undergo a HPV test every five years, and that’s a big change for a lot of women.”

A drop-in session will be held at the Drysdale Community Health Centre on Friday (tomorrow) for women wanting more information about the new screening program.

For information on the drop-in session and the BCH Well Women’s Clinic, phone 5258 0812, email [email protected] or head to bch.org.au.