June 15, 2022
The automatic collection policy will change from July 2022. From July 1, all women and people with cervical screening under the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) will have the option to be selected using a self-collected vaginal sample or a doctor. – sample collected.
Primary health professionals will play a central role in consulting with women about the self-collection option. To support the change in self-collection policy, the NCSP has been revised and updated: Guidelines for the management of screen-detected abnormalities, screening in specific populations, and investigation of abnormal vaginal bleeding.
You can access the updated guidelines on the Cancer Council Australia website or download a PDF version via this link. The partial update of the guidelines has been reported as the best available evidence and will take effect on July 1, 2022.
Because cervical screening saves lives, this expanded selection of screening options has the potential to further increase participation in cervical screening.
The resources of the National Cervical Screening Program, such as fact sheets and educational modules, will be made available to health professionals in the coming months.
Check out the upcoming NSW Cancer Institute and Royal College of General Practitioners webinar on personal collection.
More details here