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Did you know………..
That 90% of the most common types of cervical cancer are prevented through early detection by having regular Pap Smears?
(Source: WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program 2008, www.health.wa.gov.au/cervical/home) Pap Smears are a quick and simple test used to check for changes to cells in your cervix which might lead to cervical cancer. In Australia, regular Pap Smears save more than 1200 women’s lives each year. Every woman over 18 years who has ever had sexual contact should have regular Pap smears. This includes women who are no longer sexually active; have only had one partner; are divorced or widowed; have gone through menopause; or are in a same-sex relationship. After you turn 70 years of age, your GP may advise that you no longer need to have Pap Smears if your previous tests were normal.
When you’re having your next Pap Smear, you should ask your GP or practice staff if they have a recall/reminder system. If they do, that means the practice will send you a reminder when your next Pap Smear is due. If they don’t have this sort of system, you can sign up to the Cervical Cytology Register, www.health.wa.gov.au/cervical/ccr/, and they will send you a reminder letter. If you have changed your name or address since your last Pap Smear, you must contact the Cervical Cytology Register in order to continue receiving the reminders.
HPV is the human papilloma virus. HPV is a very common virus spread through genital skin contact during sexual activity and 4 out of 5 women will have it at some time. There are over 100 types of HPV; most women with HPV do not develop cervical cancer but a few of the HPV strains have been linked to cervical cancer.
Gardasil is the vaccine for HPV and your GP or Practice Nurse can administer it. Women aged from 18-26 can receive the vaccine for free until 31 December 2009, as long as they have received their first dose by 30 June this year.
After that, the 3 doses of the vaccine will cost $450. The 3 doses are given over a 6 month period. From 2009, all girls aged 12-13 in the secondary school system will receive the HPV vaccine for free on an ongoing basis.
Ask your GP for further information, or call WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program on 13 15 56, www.health.wa.gov.au/cervical/home or visit National Cervical Screening Program at www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/cervical-about
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