Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—and ACCHOs play a vital role in helping community members stay safe and informed.
The cervical screening test, whether clinician-collected or self-collected, checks for human papillomavirus (HPV)—the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. Both methods are equally accurate, and now, clients have the power to choose the option that feels right for them.
Who Should Screen?
Cervical screening is recommended every 5 years for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 75 who are or have been sexually active. This simple test can reduce cervical cancer rates and deaths by up to 30%.
Why It Matters for ACCHOs
As trusted providers of culturally safe care, ACCHOs are key to increasing screening uptake by:
- Normalising conversations about cervical screening
- Offering both collection options in a safe and respectful way
- Supporting clients to make informed choices about their health
Resources and Training for Your Team
The National Cervical Screening Program has developed a Summary Guide for Healthcare Providers, which outlines the program and recent updates to screening guidelines. This is a great resource to support your clinical teams in delivering best-practice care.
AH&MRC are working with Cancer Institute NSW to develop training for Aboriginal Health Practitioners to support clients through the cervical screening process from collection to receiving results – keep a lookout for updates on when this training will be available.
Current online training from the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer is available for any Healthcare Practitioners. It aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to be able to offer the option of HPV self-collection to eligible patients and is available through this link.
Have Your Say – Help Evaluate the ‘Own It’ Campaign
Since its launch in September 2024, the Own It campaign has aimed to raise awareness and increase screening participation across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Now, NACCHO wants to hear from you.
If any of your staff are interested in sharing their experiences or insights, they’re invited to take part in a 1-hour interview to help evaluate the campaign’s impact.
Contact bbvsti@naccho.org.au to have your say.
Need support or resources? Contact us at publichealth@ahmrc.org.au.
Together, we can help our communities own their health—on their terms.
