Cervical Cancer Awareness and Preventive Healthcare

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in the world. With effective screening and vaccination, it can be detected early or avoided altogether. Yet in Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and women from African backgrounds continue to be diagnosed at higher rates and at more advanced stages than the general population. Awareness, access, and cultural safety are the keys to changing this.

1. What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer begins in the cells lining the cervix — the lower part of the uterus. It develops slowly over many years, usually beginning as abnormal cell changes caused by certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Because it progresses gradually, it is one of the cancers most amenable to early detection through regular screening.

1.1  How Common is it in Australia?

Australia has one of the lowest cervical cancer rates in the world, largely due to its national HPV vaccination program and the National Cervical Screening Program. However, this success has not been shared equally. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than three times as likely to die from it compared to non-Indigenous Australian women.

1.2  Risk Factors

The primary risk factor for cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV, a very common sexually transmitted infection. Other contributing factors include smoking, a weakened immune system, long-term use of oral contraceptives, and having multiple pregnancies. Not attending regular screening significantly increases the risk of late-stage diagnosis.

2. Prevention Through Vaccination

The HPV vaccine is free in Australia for all students in Year 7 through the National Immunisation Program. It protects against the strains of HPV most commonly responsible for cervical cancer as well as other HPV-related cancers and genital warts.

For communities where vaccination rates have been lower — including some Aboriginal communities and newly arrived African families — catching up on vaccination is still beneficial. Speak to a GP or Aboriginal Medical Service about catch-up vaccination options.

3. Cervical Screening in Australia

The Cervical Screening Test replaced the old Pap smear in 2017. The new test detects HPV infection rather than abnormal cells directly, making it more accurate and meaning it only needs to be done every five years for most women.

3.1  Who Should be Screened?

The Cervical Screening Test is recommended for all people with a cervix aged 25 to 74, regardless of sexual history or HPV vaccination status. It is recommended every five years if the result is normal.

3.2  Barriers for Aboriginal and African Women

Despite the availability of free screening, participation rates among Aboriginal and African Australian women remain lower than the national average. Barriers include limited awareness of the screening program, discomfort with internal examinations, preference for a female healthcare provider, language barriers, and in some cases, cultural beliefs that make discussing reproductive health taboo.

Many Aboriginal and African women report feeling more comfortable attending screening at services staffed by female health workers from their own communities. This underscores the importance of culturally safe screening environments and community-based outreach.

4. Symptoms to Watch For

Early cervical cancer may cause no symptoms at all — which is why regular screening is so important. When symptoms do appear, they may include unusual vaginal bleeding such as between periods, after sex, or after menopause, unusual vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain during sex.

These symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer is present, but they should always be investigated by a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

5. Taking Action

If you are due for a cervical screen or have never had one, speak with your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, or community health centre. You can request a female provider and an interpreter. The test takes only a few minutes and could save your life.