Cervical screening education, training and resources

For guidance on managing National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the NCSP website (external site).

More information on COVID-19 is available online (external site), or by calling the Coronavirus Information Helpline on 13 COVID (13 268 43).

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

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 & resources

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.

 

Recorded webinars

Updates on Australia’s National Cervical Screening Program (external site)

Hosted by RACGP - recorded 23 August 2022

Join Professor Marion Saville AM and Prof Deborah Bateson while they speak about updates on Australia’s cervical screening program.

The following topics with be covered:

  • The impact of COVID on participation in the National Cervical Screening Program
  • The challenge of getting screening rates back on track and the role of the GP
  • Self-collection and the Cervical Screening Test - all Australian women and people with a cervix can now choose self-collection.

This event attracts 2 CPD points.

 

Self-collection of Cervical Screening Tests (external site)

Hosted by SHQ – recorded on 30 June 2022

Presenters: Dr Alison Creagh SHQ Medical Educator, Dr Sarah Smith, Karen Bonte SHQ Nurse Educator

People with cervixes who are due for cervical screening will have the option of self collection from 1st July 2022. This webinar will assist clinicians to gain the knowledge and skills that will enable them to discuss this option with their patients.

The webinar includes how the test is taken, the pros and cons of self-collection, and what to do if the result is abnormal.

This event attracts 3 CPD points.

 

Supporting your patient's choice: the expansion of cervical screening self-collection (external site)

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.

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)

 

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

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)

 

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 (external site)
A visual guide to help people understand how to collect their own vaginal sample if they choose self-collection.

Self-collection information (external site)
Patient information specific to self-collection.

Visit then NCSP website (external site) to view all resources for health professionals and consumers.

 

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 and equipment loan form.

Cervical Screening Test Result (PDF)

Cervical Screening Test Result - Aboriginal resource (PDF)

A colposcopy (PDF)

A colposcopy - Aboriginal resource (PDF)

Prevent cervical cancer (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.

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.

Tel: (08) 6458 1740
Email: cervicalscreening@health.wa.gov.au

 

Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer

Information Sheets (external site)

Self-collection resources (external site)

 

Sexual Assault Resource Centre of WA

Sensitive Practice Request Form (PDF)
A communication tool for patients who have experienced trauma and may have difficulties with intimate examinations, such as cervical screening.

 

Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation

Comfort checklist for health professionals (PDF)

Comfort checklist for patients (PDF)

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.

Last Updated: 05/04/2023