Cervical cancer and Pap test statistics
Australia
- In 2006, there were 715 cases of cervical cancer
- In 2007, 208 women died from cervical cancer
- In 2008-09, 61.3% of eligible women aged 20-69 had a Pap test
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are almost five times more likely to die from cervical cancer than non-Indigenous women
Victoria
- In 2009, there were 166 new cases of cervical cancer
- In 2009, there were 48 deaths from cervical cancer
Statistics on Pap tests
- Regular Pap tests can save 1,200 Australian women from developing cervical cancer each year.
- In Australia, the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer has dropped by 4.5% on average each year since organised screening began in 1991.
- Almost 9 in 10 Victorian women who develop cervical cancer either never had a Pap test or did not have them regularly in the 10 years prior to diagnosis.
- Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women and is the third highest cause of cancer deaths. At least 80% of cancer deaths occur in developing countries, due to the lack of screening programs.
For information on current screening rates in Victoria, visit the Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry.
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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!
