With 86% of adult women visiting a general practitioner at least once a year, you are in an ideal position, as the primary health care provider, to encourage women to have a Pap test.

A recommendation from you will influence many of your patients in making the decision to have a regular Pap test.

Current situation in NSW

• 7,500 general practitioners
• 1.7 million women are at risk of cervical cancer
• 40% of women are not screened in line with National Policy

You can make a difference - take a Pap today

HPV Vaccine and the need to continue Pap tests

The Australian Government announced funding for the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination program to commence in 2007, for Australian girls and women aged 12 to 26 years. 

GARDASIL® has been placed on the National Immunisation Program on an ongoing basis for 12 to 13 year olds to be delivered through school based programs.

The government is also funding a two year catch up program for females aged 13 to 18 years in schools, and women aged 18 to 26 years to be delivered via general practitioners.

The Cancer Institute NSW recognises the vaccine as a major medical breakthrough for future generations of women. However, Pap tests are still needed for the current generation of women and into the foreseeable future. Patients should be reminded of the importance of ongoing, regular Pap smears to detect the cell changes that can indicate the early stages of cervical cancer.

Further information is available on a dedicated page for general practitioners on the National HPV Vaccination Program Website at www.health.gov.au/cervicalcancer