MEDIA RELEASE

29 May 2015

New Study: Decreased Screenings in Younger Women

The latest report published from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows
that Australian women, aged 18-24, having regular Pap tests is steadily declining.
The report, Cervical screening in Australia 20122013, is a part of the National Cervical
Screening Program, reveal participation in the screenings have dropped from 43.6% in 20092010, to 42.7% in 2012-2013.
Jeff Tooma, CEO of the ACCF, said the main reason why fewer younger women are getting
tested could be due to the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations.
Young women need to understand that the HPV vaccine given to them in high school only
protects them against 70 to 80% of cervical cancer and they still need to have regular Pap
tests, Mr Tooma said.
This is a common misconception surrounding the HPV vaccine, and there needs to be more
awareness surrounding the importance of regular Pap tests for younger women.
A Pap test is the best way to detect any changes in the cervix which could lead to cervical
cancer, he said.
The report also shows low rates of high-grade abnormality detection for women aged under
20 and 20-24 years.
ACCF Chairman of the Board, Graeme Lead, said he found those findings in the report to be
concerning.
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ACCF New Study

It is alarming that despite this particular age group having the highest detection rate for
high-grade abnormalities than any other age group, that they still are not getting tested, Mr
Lead said.
It worries me that these young women have become complacent, especially when cervical
cancer is a largely preventable disease.
In saying that, it is clear to see that the HPV vaccines are having a tremendous effect of
reducing the risk of cervical cancer, he said.
Current Australian guidelines recommend that women aged 18-70 years, or when they are
sexually active, should have a Pap test every two years.
The ACCF is an Australian based company that assists women, both in Australia and
developing countries, to protect and understand womens health.

ENDS

Since 2007, the ACCFs goal has been to provide support to women and their families who
are affected by cervical cancer. The ACCF is dedicated to created awareness of this cancer
and its prevention in Australia. For more information on the ACCF, please call 1300 727 630
or visit https://accf.org.au/.

For further information, contact:

Jessica Larder
Public Relations Officer
The Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation
W: 07 5080 3850
M: 0400 202 101
E: jlarder@pr.accf.org

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