About us
PapScreen Victoria aims to increase the number of women who have Pap tests every two years.
PapScreen Victoria is a joint Commonwealth and state government funded program coordinated by the Victorian Department of Health, and works in collaboration with the Department, the Victorian Cytology Service and the Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry.
We work to meet our objectives by:
- Running public awareness campaigns
- Working with Pap test providers to ensure Pap tests are as accessible and stress-free as possible for women
- Finding out what women think about Pap tests, and using this research to inform our work
Our vision
A Victorian community with minimal cervical cancer.
Our principles
Access
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Women should have access to information and support in their first language, that is suited to their literacy level and is culturally appropriate.
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Women should have access to services and service providers of their choice.
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Service providers should have access to accurate information, advice and training.
Equity
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Factors such as age, cost, geographic location, language, literacy, cultural diversity, sexuality and disability should not preclude women from accessing cervical screening.
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Factors such as cost and geographic location should not preclude service providers from accessing information and training.
Effectiveness
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Women have the right to a high quality screening service.
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PapScreen supports service providers to strive for excellence in providing an effective, high quality and accessible service.
Our goal
To decrease the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer among Victorian women.
Our objectives
1. Increase the proportion of women participating in the National Cervical Screening Program. By 2012:
- 65% of eligible women aged 20–69 will have had a Pap test in the previous two years
- 78% of eligible women aged 20–69 will have had a Pap test in the previous three years
- 90% of eligible women aged 20–69 will have had a Pap test in the previous five years
2. Increase the number of women having a Pap test for the first time, with a particular focus on women aged over 30.
3. Maintain the high awareness of the human papilloma virus vaccine, its role in cervical cancer prevention, and the importance of screening even if vaccinated.
Read PapScreen Victoria's 2009-2011 Strategic Directions here.
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Lucy's story
I've always been very aware of the importance of regular Pap tests, as my Mum had early-stage cervical cancer in her 30s.
She encouraged me to start having regular Pap tests when I turned 18 and I followed her advice, albeit begrudgingly!
