Cervical screening education, training and resources
National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Australia
The WACCPP welcomes the release of the National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer (Strategy), a pathway to achieve equitable elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2035. The Strategy includes objectives, pathways, and actions to meet three targets that will help Western Australia reach equitable elimination:
- 90% of eligible people will be vaccinated against HPV – this includes girls and boys
- 70% of eligible people will be screened every 5 years
- 95% of eligible people will receive the best possible treatment for precancer and cancer
The full Strategy can be found on the National Cervical Screening Program website (external site).
National policies and clinical guidelines
National Cervical Screening Policy (external site)
The National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) aims to reduce morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer. This will be achieved through an organised population-based screening pathway to detect pre-cancerous cervical abnormalities in asymptomatic women and people with a cervix. The NCSP is supported by the National Cervical Screening Policy (external site) which provides guidance on how the program is delivered, ensuring high standards are maintained and best practice is followed.
NCSP Clinical Guidelines
The NCSP: Guidelines for the management of screen-detected abnormalities, screening in specific populations and investigation of abnormal vaginal bleeding (NCSP Clinical Guidelines) (external site) bring together the best available evidence to prevent, diagnose and manage cervical cancer.
The guidelines have been reviewed and updated to support the self-collection eligibility expansion.
Online learning
National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) Training Bundle (external site)
An in-depth course created by the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) for doctors, nurses and midwives.
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The link between human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cell abnormalities and the development of cervical cancer.
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Current National Cervical Screening Program recommendations and evidence supporting them.
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Strategies or approaches to increase participation specifically in populations that have higher rates of being under-screened and never screened.
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Best practice procedure for self-collected and clinician-collected tests.
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Cervical screening results and the appropriate follow-up according to the cervical screening pathway.
RACGP accredited.
Changes to cervical screening intermediate risk pathway (external site)
This free online module provides cervical screening providers with critical information about the change to the intermediate risk pathway within the NCSP Clinical Guidelines. It includes:
- Why the intermediate risk pathway changed
- Who is affected by the new intermediate risk pathway
- The new intermediate risk cervical screening pathway
- Clinical management guidelines
- Case studies, quiz and resources
Self-collection of Cervical Screening Tests Online Module (external site)
Provides a succinct interactive overview of the changes to cervical screening, centring around self-collection. Information covered includes:
- Discussing who is eligible for self-collection of cervical screening tests, and who is not
- Explain how to take a self-collected cervical screening test
- Explain the management of abnormal self-collected cervical screening test results
- Identify possible barriers for individuals engaging in regular cervical screening, and how these may be overcome
RACGP accredited
Recorded webinars
Get the Facts: Everything you and your patients need to know about HPV self-collection (external site) [1hr 2 mins]
Hosted by the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Presented by Professor Marion Saville
Recorded 19 June 2024
Common questions and answers on the HPV self-collection cervical screening method.
Cervical Screening: How to optimise the use of self-collection and manage your patient’s follow-up webinar (external site) [1 hr 2 mins]
Hosted by Western Victoria Primary Health Network
Presented by Dr Alexis Butler
Recorded 4 May 2023
Outlines the advantages and considerations for HPV self-collection, the follow up for abnormal self-collection results and describes different self-collection testing processes available in primary care.
Navigating the National Cervical Screening Program: how to optimise self-collection (external site) [1 hr 3min]
Hosted by North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network and Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Presented by Dr Alexis Butler and Dr Ella Ellwood-Shoesmith
Recorded on 29 March 2023
How to optimise the use of self-collection in primary care so you can effectively support your patient to make an informed choice about their Cervical Screening Test. Also covers management and options for abnormal self-collection result follow-up.
Taking a cervical screening test (external site)
Hosted by the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer
This is an instructional video, designed to help practitioners take good quality Cervical Screening Tests (CST). It covers the correct technique for taking a CST, how to locate the cervix and site to sample, HPV self-collection and selecting sampling instruments and transferring the sample to a liquid-based medium.
Scroll to bottom of page to view.
[59 mins]
Hosted by North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network
Presented by Professor Marion Saville AM
Recorded 10 August 2022
An RACGP webinar that outlines:
What changes were made to the intermediate risk clinical pathway in February 2021
The changes to the self-collection eligibility policy that were made on 1 July 2022, as well as self-collection exclusions to national clinical guidelines
Appropriate referral pathways including when participants should be referred to specialists
Improving choice in cervical screening: the expansion of self-collection (external site)
Hosted by SiREN Symposium
Presented by the WACCPP for SirREN Symposium
Scroll to bottom of page to see recording.
Meeting the cancer screening needs of the LGBTQA+ community (external site) [44 mins]
Hosted by the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Presented by A/Prof Ruth McNair OAM and Brenda Appleton AM
Recorded 28 June 2022
Hosted by the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Presented by Professor Deborah Bateson
Recorded 28 June 2022
2023 HPV Webinar (external site)
Hosted by the Immunisation Coalition
An annual update on HPV in Australia, including information of available vaccines.
Supporting your patient's choice: the expansion of cervical screening self-collection (external site) [1 hr 43 mins]
Hosted by Cancer Council WA – recorded on 27 June 2022
From 1 July 2022, the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) expanded its self-collection policy to give all eligible participants a choice in screening method – either self-collected or clinician-collected – both of which are still accessed through a health professional. In this webinar:
- Gynaecologic Oncologist, Dr Emma Allanson discusses the changes to the self-collection guidelines, as well as the evidence to support such a change.
- Medical Scientist, Rossemarie Ramirez-Avalos discusses the requirements for requesting and processing self-collected tests from pathology laboratories.
- WA Primary Health Alliance GP Clinical Editor, Dr Kyria Laird, provides a demonstration of HealthPathways WA, including the newly updated cervical screening pathway.
Face to face training
Sexual Health Quarters: Clinical education for Nurses and Midwives (external site)
- The Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Nursing) – Module 2 Cervical Screening Only
- The Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Nursing)
These modules meet the National Competencies for Cervical Screening Providers. As part of this training nurses will be assessed for competency to provide cervical screening and preventative health checks to eligible women, in conjunction with a supporting doctor.
For more information contact the SHQ Clinic Education Coordinator on (08) 9227 6177 or email clinic.ed@shq.org.au.
Sexual Health Quarters: Clinical education for General Practitioners (external site)
- FPAA Certificate in Reproductive and Sexual Health for Doctors
This national certificate course covers the range of the reproductive and sexual health issues that are common in general practice. It is useful for GP Registrars, Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees, and experienced GPs who wish to refresh their knowledge in the area.
The course is accredited for CPD points by the RACGP and ACRRM.
For more information contact the SHQ Clinic Education Coordinator (08) 9227 6177 or email clinic.ed@shq.org.au.
National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) guides and templates
Interacting with the NCSR
The NCSR Healthcare Provider Portal and integration with Clinical Information Systems enable healthcare providers to access patient cervical screening information, submit forms electronically and manage their patients’ participation.
Healthcare Provider Portal User Guide (external site)
Access through integrated clinical software (external site)
Quick Start Guide for the Healthcare Provider Portal (PDF)
Healthcare Provider Portal walk-through video (YouTube)
Clinical Information System Integration video (YouTube)
Clinical software integration key messages and resources (PDF)
NCSR Healthcare Provider Cervical Screening History Request Fax Template
Healthcare providers can also use the NCSR fax template (external site) to request cervical screening histories for the purpose of managing their patients’ cervical screening. Healthcare providers can request screening histories for up to 20 patients per day.
Resources, templates, tools and forms
WA resources, tools and activities
The WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program (WACCPP) offers resources specifically developed for WA women and people with a cervix, including Aboriginal women. For more information visit Cervical Cancer Prevention in the Community. On this page you can find the WACCPP resource order form.
Cervical Screening Test Result (PDF)
Cervical Screening Test Result - Aboriginal resource (PDF)
A colposcopy - Aboriginal resource (PDF)
Prevent cervical cancer - Aboriginal resource (PDF)
Use of lubricants for cervical screening (PDF)
This resource addresses the collection of an adequate Cervical Screening Test sample and the use of lubricants on the speculum.
Cervical sampling card (PDF)
This resource is designed for healthcare providers and includes recommended techniques for taking a cervical sample.
Vaginal sampling card (PDF)
Recommended techniques and devices for a self-collected vaginal sample.
Pregnancy sampling card (PDF)
Cervical sampling in pregnancy quick reference guide card.
Female Genital Cutting/Mutilation (FGC/M) and cervical screening (PDF)
This resource is designed for healthcare providers and includes information on providing cervical screening to women affected by Female Genital Cutting / Mutilation (FGC/M).
Guide to Cervical Screening Book (external site)
For people living with a disability made in partnership with the Sexuality Education Counselling and Consultancy Agency (SECCA)
Cervical Screening flipchart (PREVIEW) (PDF)
Developed to raise awareness among Aboriginal women and encourage the uptake of cervical screening. To order a copy of the flipchart, please contact the WACCPP.
WACCPP
Tel: (08) 6458 1740
Email: cervicalscreening@health.wa.gov.au
WAPHA HealthPathways – Cervical Screening (external site)
HealthPathways is designed and written for use during a primary care consultation. Each pathway provides clear and concise guidance for assessing and managing a patient with a particular symptom or condition in primary care. Pathways also include information about making requests to services in the local health system.
National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) - resources for healthcare providers
FAQs for Providers (PDF)
To support the expansion of self-collection eligibility, Cancer Council Australia and the NCSP have developed a quick reference guide to provide answers to key questions.
Understanding the National Cervical Screening Program Management Pathway (external site)
Learn about the clinical pathway that supports the NCSP and the guidelines for pathology testing of cervical and vaginal samples.
Cervical Screening Test: How to take your own sample (external site)
A guide for patients on how to take their own vaginal sample.
Pathology test guide for cervical and vaginal testing (external sites)
Guidelines for pathology testing of cervical and vaginal samples.
Colposcopy and Treatment form (external site)
Download a single copy of this form, or order in pads of 50, to record details of colposcopy and treatment under the NCSP.
Waiting room poster (external site)
NCSP Clinical Guidelines (external site)
Guidelines for the management of screen-detected abnormalities, screening in specific populations and investigation of abnormal vaginal bleeding.
National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) (external site)
Request patient screening histories by phone (1800 627 701) or through the Healthcare Provider Portal (external site).
Understanding the NCSP Management Pathway (external site)
Learn about the clinical pathway that supports the NCSP and the guidelines for pathology testing of cervical and vaginal samples.
NCSP – Quick reference guide – self-collected vaginal sample (external site)
A brief guide outlining eligibility for self-collection and how to support patients in self-collection.
NCSP – Quick reference guide – clinician-collected cervical sample (PDF)
A brief guide outlining management for low, intermediate and higher risk results, along with considerations for test of cure, along with symptomatic and pregnant patients.
National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) - resources for patients
Cervical screening explained (external site)
This video provides an overview of the NCSP, what a Cervical Screening Test (CST) is and the test options available to participants.
Cervical Screening Test – your choices explained (Easy read) (external site)
A visual guide to help people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities understand the importance of cervical screening and the choices available.
What happens when a healthcare provider collects my sample (external site)
A visual guide to help people understand the process when they choose to have a healthcare provider collect their CST.
How to collect your own sample - simple instructions (external site)
A visual guide to help people understand how to collect their own vaginal sample if they choose self-collection.
Cervical Screening Test: How to take your own sample (external site)
A guide for patients on how to take their own vaginal sample.
Self-collection information (external site)
Patient information specific to self-collection.
Visit the NCSP website (external site) to view all resources for health professionals and consumers.
NCSP – a guide to understanding your cervical screening test results (PDF)
This booklet provides patients with information to help them better understand their cervical screening test results.
Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Information Sheets (external site)
Sexual Assault Resource Centre of WA
Sensitive Practice Request Form
A communication tool for patients who have experienced trauma and may have difficulties with intimate examinations, such as cervical screening.
Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation
Subscribe to cervical screening updates
Cervical Insight newsletter
Cervical Insight’ is a newsletter for health professionals published by the WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program (WACCPP). Subscribers will receive news on the latest updates to cervical screening policy, practice and guidelines, education and training opportunities, resources and research.
To subscribe, email cervicalscreening@health.wa.gov.au.
Community Cervix Announcement newsletter
Subscribe to the WACCPP ‘Community Cervix Announcement’ newsletter to receive news and updates on cervical cancer prevention initiatives in WA. To subscribe, email cervicalscreening@health.wa.gov.au.
The newsletter provides ideas on how the WACCPP can support you in preventing cervical cancer in your community. It will also keep you updated on developments and showcase the great work occurring throughout WA.