Australia is on track to become the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer, but some communities are still lagging behind in screening rates. A new national campaign aims to change that by highlighting a game-changing self-collection test, making screening easier, more accessible, and culturally inclusive.
The campaign, backed by $10.2 million in federal funding, brings together four major health organisations—the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer (ACPCC), the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), ACON, and the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative. Together, they’re pushing to close the gap in screening rates, particularly among First Nations women, multicultural groups, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities.
Routine cervical screening every five years is key to early detection and prevention for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74. Yet more than 70% of cervical cancers develop in those who have never screened or aren’t up to date. The introduction of the HPV self-collect test is helping to address this. In just the first half of 2024, nearly 20,000 people screened for the first time using the self-collection method, while 37,500 overdue screeners took the test.
Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney described self-collection as a “quick and simple swab” that is “easy, private, and game-changing” in encouraging more women to get screened. She emphasised the importance of speaking to communities directly, in their own languages, using real-life stories.
NACCHO’s Deputy CEO Dr Dawn Casey stressed that the campaign builds on the work already being done in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. Professor Marion Saville AM from the ACPCC noted a shift in the confidence of healthcare providers, with 80% now recognising self-collection as just as accurate as a clinician-collected test.
The campaign, titled “Own It,” is designed to break down barriers by ensuring culturally safe and inclusive messaging. Materials have been translated into Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese, ensuring more women have access to clear and accurate information about their screening options.
With voices from diverse backgrounds leading the charge, this campaign is pushing Australia closer to making cervical cancer history.
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