ACON is launching a new cervical screening campaign called Own It in January 2023. The campaign aims to empower young women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 35 years to make their Cervical Screening Test their own, by choosing how to screen.
The campaign is based on the experiences of real people who have made choices about how their Cervical Screening Test is done, to overcome barriers.
Their choices include self-collection, bringing a friend, inserting the speculum themselves, finding a doctor they can trust, talking to others and educating themselves to address misinformation.
For people who are eligible for a Cervical Screening Test, GPs should offer the choice of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing by either:
- self-collected vaginal sample using a simple swab (unless a co-test is indicated)
- clinician-collected sample from the cervix using a speculum and a soft brush
Eligible people include anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 74, who has ever had any sexual contact.
GPs must order and oversee both options. Both are accurate and safe ways to collect a sample for a Cervical Screening Test.
NSW Cancer Institute: information for healthcare providersPlease give your patients clear information about the pros and cons of both sample collection options, including possible follow up requirements. This supports the patient in making an informed decision.
NSW Cancer Institute: key messages for healthcare providersThe Own It campaign will launch on Monday, 16 January and run throughout February.
If you’d like to order campaign posters (A3 or A4) for your practice or service email canwe@acon.org.au.
WORKSHOP: HPV Self-Collection in General Practice (Bankstown)
Cancer Council NSW and GPEx will host a face-to-face workshop on HPV Self-Collection in General Practice, to provide education and training, at Rydges Bankstown, 874 Hume Highway Bass Hill, on Wednesday, 15 February at 6pm.
Download flyer