Tens of thousands of women across NSW have accessed free, cervical screening thanks to a life-saving partnership between the Cancer Institute NSW and local health districts.

Over 10 years, the NSW Government through the Cancer Institute NSW has contributed close to $3 million towards pathology costs of Cervical Screening Tests conducted by women's health nurses based across Local Health Districts including Central Coast, Far West, Hunter New England, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Mid North Coast, Murrumbidgee, Northern NSW, South Eastern Sydney, Southern NSW, and Western NSW.

The partnership is ensuring specialist women's health nurses are supported to deliver cervical screening, particularly to rural and regional communities, working closely with Aboriginal medical services and Primary Health Networks to help deliver accessible, safe, and culturally sensitive care.

The Cervical Screening Test is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. It is a quick and simple procedure which looks for a viral infection called human papillomavirus (HPV).

There are two options for the test, one is to have a healthcare provider collect a cervical sample, the other is for an individual to collect their own sample. Both are equally effective.

Anyone aged between 25–74 who has a cervix and has ever been sexually active, is encouraged to get the Cervical Screening Test every five years.

Thanks to efforts taking place in NSW and beyond, Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, in line with the National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Australia.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park:

“As Minister for Regional Health, it is one of my priorities to improve access and remove barriers women face in accessing healthcare services, particularly in rural and regional communities."

“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and this partnership is ensuring that every opportunity is taken to offer screening."

“It's expected that regular screening will reduce cervical cancer rates and deaths by 30 per cent."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

“Cervical cancer claims the lives of hundreds of Australians each year. This week – being Women's Health Week – we're encouraging women to put their health first and, if eligible, take advantage of life-saving cancer screening."

“Cervical cancer is preventable – the test is free, it's quick, it's simple and it's easy. Early diagnosis can improve the chances of treatment being successful so it's vital women make it a priority."

Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O'Brien AM:

“While Australia has one of the lowest cervical cancer rates in the world, more than 70 per cent of cervical cancers occur in women who have never been screened or are not up-to-date with their cervical screening."

“Supporting women to take part in regular screening is key to saving lives, which is why we're proud to partner with women's health nurses, who through their expert and compassionate approach, are helping break down barriers and supporting women to stay healthy and well."

For more information on cervical, breast and bowel cancer screening, visit Cancer Institute NSW - Screening and early detection