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National cervical screening program

Reach:
National
Focus area:
Mainstream
Status:
Current
Evaluated:
Yes

Overview

The National cervical screening program (NCSP) is a joint initiative of the Australian and state and territory governments. It was implemented in 1995 to reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer deaths and morbidity in Australian women. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable of all cancers.

The program seeks to encourage women aged 18 to 69 years to have regular Pap smears. A Pap smear every two years can prevent the most common form of cervical cancer in up to 90% of cases and is the best protection against cervical cancer.

The NCSP is working to achieve the following aims:

demonstrate an increase in the percentage of eligible women who have ever been screened

establish more reliable and accessible services for taking, interpreting, and reporting Pap tests

improve management of screen detected abnormalities

monitor and evaluate these preventive efforts.

Since the introduction of the NCSP, the mortality from cervical cancer has halved.

The NCSP is a joint program of the Australian and state and territory governments. Regular evaluations of the program are published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Abstract adapted from National Cervical Screening Program

Contacts

Cancerscreening
Ph: 13 15 56 (cost of local call)
Email: cancerscreening@health.gov.au

Evaluated publications

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2012)

Cervical screening in Australia 2009-2010.

Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Links

Last updated: 13 February 2013

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