New self-collection option for cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer is largely preventable. Since the introduction of the National Cervical Screening Program, cervical cancer incidence and mortality has dropped drastically, by at least 50%.1 Since 2007, additional protection has also been available, in the form of a human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, that targets the specific strains leading to the majority of cervical cancers.  However, whether you have been vaccinated or not, women and people with a cervix from ages of 25 to 74 are encouraged to have regular cervical screening (every 5 years) for early detection.  Screening criteria include: 

• Age (25-74)
• Having a cervix
• History of any type of sexual contact
• If you have had a full or partial hysterectomy, please check with your doctor about screening

The great news is cervical cancer is highly preventable, so, spread the word among your loved ones if they are eligible or haven’t screened for a while! If you don’t recall the timing of your last cervical screen, your GP can now access the National Cancer Screening Registry (NCSR) to check when this test will be due for you. 

Prior to the new screening test,  a health professional (GP, nurse or health worker) would  take the sample for you via a speculum examination.   

At Growlife Medical, we recognise that this process may be embarrassing or uncomfortable for some people. Recent studies have revealed that self-collection is just as effective at detecting HPV and preventing cervical cancer as clinician-collection. The Growlife team would like to make this process more comfortable and accessible for you.   

You will be given clear instructions on how to collect the sample with a cotton swab and be offered a private setting for self collecting your sample. The self-collection sample is to be taken from the vagina, not the cervix, and is checked for HPV.