Your role as a health professional is critical to the success of the National Cervical Screening Program in increasing participation in cervical screening and reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in NSW.
Women are more likely to undertake cervical screening at the recommendation of their health professional, or if their health professional has discussed screening with them.
Through providing a friendly, safe and sensitive environment, your support is fundamental in a woman’s decision to have a potentially life-saving Cervical Screening Test.
Cervical screening in general practice
Health professionals working within general practices perform around 85% of cervical screening in NSW.
As a health professional in a general practice, you are ideally placed to introduce and discuss the topic of cervical screening.
This is particularly important when engaging with women who are reluctant to screen, as well as those who may have forgotten they are overdue for their Cervical Screening Test.
Ask your eligible patients if they know about cervical screening and if they are up-to-date with screening. Offer opportunistic screening to eligible patients if they are due or overdue, or if they have never screened.
Nurses in general practice and community health
Female nurses have a vital role in cervical screening, as they often provide Cervical Screening Tests in locations where people may otherwise only have access to a male doctor.
Nurses also play an important part in reaching people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, Aboriginal communities, older women, pregnant women and those who may have never had a Cervical Screening Test before.
Nurses in general practice and community health
Female nurses have a vital role in cervical screening, as they often provide Cervical Screening Tests in locations where people may otherwise only have access to a male doctor.
Nurses also play an important part in reaching people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, Aboriginal communities, older women, pregnant women and those who may have never had a Cervical Screening Test before.
