Almost half of all Hume women are not having regular pap tests, putting them at greater risk of cervical cancer.
Data released by the state government last week revealed that Hume had the fourth-lowest screening rate in the state, at 52.2 per cent, down from 53.5 per cent the previous year.
The Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry’s annual report also shows 68.7 per cent of women in the Macedon Ranges have undergone a pap test in the past two years (down from 69.5 per cent).
An overall decline in numbers of women aged 20-29 being tested regularly is also a reason for concern, with statewide rates falling to less than 50 per cent.
PapScreen Victoria manager Hiranthi Perrera said not screening regularly was the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer.
‘‘We know that nearly 80 per cent of women diagnosed with cervical cancer had either never had a pap test or had let their screening lapse,’’ she said.
Ms Perrera said a lack of bulk-billing operators may be a factor in Hume’s low screening rates, along with cultural and language issues, lack of information about the tests, and women being busy and forgetting when their next test is due.
‘‘Women cannot afford to become complacent,’’ she said. ‘‘If you’re overdue, it’s vital that you book in.’’
Macedon Ranges Health nurse Louise Beer said national guidelines recommended that all women aged 18-70 who had ever been sexually active have a pap test every two years. Regular tests are recommended even after the HPV vaccine.
PapScreen Victoria’s website lists local providers: www.papscreen.org.au
