You don’t need to be a cervical screening provider to support informed uptake of cervical screening. Nurses and midwives play a critical role in supporting their patients to make informed choices, and to have positive experiences within the healthcare system.
The Australian Government is funding a national campaign for healthcare providers and consumers to increase uptake of, and trust in human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection for cervical screening. This campaign has a focus on supporting healthcare providers to gain the required knowledge and tools to support their patients to make informed screening choices.
Cervical cancer is a significant health concern, with hundreds of women and people with a cervix diagnosed in Australia each year. Early detection through regular screening is crucial in preventing the progression of this disease, as 70% of cervical cancer cases are in those who are under- and never screened. Traditionally, cervical screening samples have been collected from the patient’s cervix by doctors and nurse cervical screening providers with the use of a speculum. However, this process presents significant barriers for many people, and may deter some from seeking regular screenings, or from screening at all.
HPV self-collection offers an alternative approach that empowers women and people with a cervix to take control of their own health. By providing a simple, convenient, and accurate1 method for collecting a HPV sample, eligible participants* can now choose to perform the test themselves, either in a healthcare setting, or at home. This method involves using a swab to collect a sample from the vagina, which is then sent to a laboratory for HPV analysis. It is important to note and alert patients they may need to be re-tested via the speculum exam if certain types of HPV are found.
The introduction of HPV self-collection aligns with Australia’s commitment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2035. By expanding the options available for cervical screening, more women and people with a cervix will have access to a method that suits their preferences and needs.
Victoria’s first Nurse Colposcopist Ange Steele recognises the significant role of nurses and midwives in supporting their patients to make the choice.
“As nurses and midwives, we are at the front line of patient care and have a significant role in supporting informed decision making. The nursing and midwifery workforce can support equitable uptake of cervical screening by ensuring screening participants are aware of the choices available to them.”
Nurses and midwives in all healthcare settings can support informed and equitable uptake of cervical screening. This involves collecting a cervical screening history from your patients, including during antenatal and postpartum care2. It is important to note that both the clinician-collected and self-collected test are safe at all stages of pregnancy and the HPV self-collection option may be a more acceptable option for some people during this time2. You can be confident in reassuring your patients who are pregnant that it is safe for them to screen, and that they have a choice in how they do so.
If you are a cervical screening provider, contact your laboratory to ensure you have the necessary equipment and information available to offer both screening choices, and become familiar with the resources and education available to you. For all nurses and midwives, you can become familiar with the National Cervical Screening Program eligibility requirements and available screening choices.
By supporting women and people with a cervix to make informed cervical screening choices, nurses and midwives can play a crucial role in reducing the incidence and impact of cervical cancer in Australia.
For more information on HPV self-collection and how you can support your patients, please visit the National Campaign healthcare provider website and register to attend the upcoming webinars.
* Women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 74, who have ever had any type of sexual contact (including with same sex partners), are encouraged to participate in cervical screening every five years. This eligibility also includes people who are pregnant, as cervical screening is safe at all stages of pregnancy 2.
References
1. Arbyn M, Smith S, Temin S, Sultana F, Castle P. Detecting cervical precancer and reaching underscreened women by using HPV testing on self samples: updated meta-analyses. Bmj. 2018 Dec 5;363.
2. Cancer Council Australia. 14. Screening in pregnancy [Internet]. 2022. Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/clinical-guidelines/cervical-cancer/cervical-cancer-screening/screening-in-pregnancy
