Cervical cancer screening
Women undergoing exit testing
Clinical question
GUIDELINE UPDATES - This guideline was last updated 2/1/2021
UPCOMING GUIDELINES - This guideline was updated and comes into practice on 7/1/2022. Download PDF
Background
The HPV test is significantly more sensitive than cytology for the detection of cervical abnormalities caused by HPV infection, and a single HPV test for which oncogenic HPV is not detected is considered sufficient to safely discharge women from the NCSP.[1]
MSAC has recommended that women between the ages of 70 and 74 years can cease 5 yearly screening after a HPV test at which oncogenic HPV is not detected.[1]
Recommendations
MSAC evidence-based recommendation |
REC6.19: Women aged 70–74 years in whom oncogenic HPV is not detected (exit testing) Women can be discharged from the NCSP if they are aged 70–74 years and have a screening test at which oncogenic HPV is not detected. Note: recommendation numbering changed Feb 2021, this was previously REC 6.16 |
Consensus-based recommendation |
REC6.20: Referral of women aged 70–74 years with a positive oncogenic HPV test result (exit testing) Women aged 70–74 who have a positive oncogenic HPV (any type) test result should be referred directly for colposcopic assessment, which should be informed by the result of reflex LBC. Note: recommendation numbering changed Feb 2021, this was previously REC 6.17 |
References
- Medical Services Advisory Committee. MSAC Outcomes. Application No. 1276 – Renewal of the National Cervical Screening Program. [homepage on the internet] Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health; 2014 [updated 2015 Apr]. Available from: http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/FD36D6990FFAA639CA25799200058940/$File/1276%20-%20Final%20MSAC%20PSD%20-%20NCSP%20Renewal.pdf.
WEBSITE UPDATES - This website was last updated 5/18/2022
Cancer Council would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work. We would also like to pay respect to the elders past and present and extend that respect to all other Aboriginal people.
