Pap Smear Awareness Week 4-10 May 2008

Pap Smear Awareness Week 2008 promotes regular two-yearly Pap smears as the most effective way of detecting and preventing cervical cancer.

Women aged 18-70 years who have been sexually active at any time are encouraged to make an appointment with their health service provider for a Pap smear. Early changes in the cells of the cervix (the neck of the womb) can be identified by a Pap smear, with detection of abnormal cells allowing women to be monitored and treated well before cancer of the cervix develops. More than 90% of cervical cancers can be prevented by women having a Pap smear every two years.

During Pap Smear Awareness Week a wide range of activities and events are taking place throughout the state. Information sessions by health professionals, health promotional art activities and radio interviews with trained multicultural Peer Educators are just some of the ways women will gain information and be encouraged to make an appointment with their health provider for a recommended two yearly Pap smear.

The TV media campaign ‘Don’t Just Sit There; Have a Pap Smear Every 2 Years’ also reminds women who have had the HPV vaccine that they too need to have regular Pap smears. The reason for this is that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents certain types of HPV that are mostly associated with cervical cancer. However the HPV vaccine does not protect against all HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.

The SA School Immunisation Program provides free routine vaccinations for females aged 12-13 years, with a catch up program for females 14 – 18 until the end of 2008. Females up to the age of 26 years who have not been reached through the school based program can receive the vaccine free from their GP until June 2009.

Resources for community women and health professionals are available from the SA Cervix Screening Program. For more information visit the website www.cervixscreening.sa.gov.au or phone 8226 8131.