How Pap tests can help prevent cervical cancer & the Pap test Registry

Want more information?

For more information about Pap tests and preventing cervical cancer call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or visit www.papscreen.org.au

HOW PAP TESTS CAN help PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER & the pap test registry

You can also call the Registry on (03) 9250 0399 or visit www.vccr.org for more information or to update your details.

Where can I get a Pap test?

Most GPs and some specially trained nurses can take Pap tests. To find somewhere to go for a Pap test visit www.papscreen.org.au or call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20. You’ll be able to get information about where to find a doctor or nurse in your area, languages spoken, cost and disability access.

Other languages

The Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government VCCR_Pub_10 V5

Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry PO Box 161, Carlton South, Victoria 3053 Telephone: (03) 9250 0399 Toll Free: 1300 885 937 Fax: (03) 9349 1818 Email: registry@vccr.org Website: www.vccr.org

What is a Pap test?

Pap tests after the HPV vaccine

How do my results go on the Registry?

A Pap test looks for changes in the cells of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). These changes are almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are usually not serious. However if left over many years they could develop into cervical cancer. Finding these changes early means they can usually be treated before anything serious happens.

Even if you have had the HPV vaccine (also known as the cervical cancer vaccine), you should continue to have Pap tests every two years. This is because the vaccine only protects against two of the “high risk” HPV types. Although these two types cause the majority of cervical cancers, you could be infected with other high-risk types. This is why Pap tests are still recommended after vaccination.

When you have a Pap test, your results are sent to the Registry by the laboratory that reports your test, unless you have said otherwise. The choice is yours. If you don’t want your result registered, tell your doctor or nurse every time you have a Pap test. If your results are not registered, you will not receive reminder letters or follow-up advice from the Registry.

A Pap test is not a check for ovarian cancer or for sexually transmitted infections.

More information is available at www.hpvvaccine.org.au

Who should have Pap tests?

The Registry is a confidential database of Victorian women’s Pap test results. The Registry’s formal name is the Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry (VCCR).

You can withdraw your details from the Registry at any time by contacting the Registry on (03) 9250 0399.

Alternatively, you can remain on the Registry but request that no correspondence be sent to you.

All women who have ever been sexually active should have Pap tests every two years from age 18, or two years after first sexual activity (whichever is later), and continue until age 70.

Women who are no longer sexually active or who have been in one relationship for a long time should still have Pap tests. This is because cell changes may take many years to develop. Some women who have had a hysterectomy still need Pap tests. Ask your doctor if you’re not sure.

If you have any symptoms such as unusual bleeding or pain in the pelvic area, see your doctor, even if your last Pap test was normal.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) HPV is a very common virus which usually has no symptoms and is cleared from the body naturally. Occasionally it causes serious disease.

Genital HPV is spread through genital skin-to-genital skin contact. Both men and women can be infected with this virus.

Many HPV types affect the genital area (this includes the cervix). A few of these types (“high-risk”) have the potential to cause cervical cancer.

If women have a persistent infection with one of the “high-risk” HPV types, changes may develop over many years into cancer. If found early these cell changes can be treated and cancer prevented.

What is the Pap test Registry?

There are three main benefits of the Pap test Registry: 1. Reminder letters when tests are overdue The Registry will send you reminder letters when you’re overdue for your Pap test. The timing will depend on the result of your previous test.

2. A safety net for abnormalities The Registry follows up abnormal results to ensure they are not overlooked.

3. More accurate Pap test results Like all screening tests, the Pap test is not 100% accurate. Pap tests are looked at by specially trained scientists. The Registry helps the scientists to read your Pap test more accurately by providing a summary of your previous test results.

What information is recorded?

Your name, date of birth, address, Medicare number, Pap test result, and doctor’s name and address is recorded, and sometimes your country of birth, indigenous status and language spoken at home.

Results of further investigations such as colposcopies, biopsies and HPV tests may also be recorded as they can affect how often you need Pap tests in the future.

How is my privacy protected?

The Registry is committed to protecting your privacy and has policies and procedures in place to ensure this is maintained. These comply with all applicable Privacy legislation. In accordance with The Cancer Act only you, your doctor and the laboratory reporting your Pap test have access to your details. The Cancer Act also requires the Registry to forward details of all cervical cancers to the Victorian Cancer Registry. Information is also used for research to improve our knowledge about preventing cervical cancer. No research information identifies an individual person. Our full privacy policy can be viewed at: www.vccr.org/privacy.html