Take the test

CASEY women are putting themselves at greatest risk of cervical cancer, with figures revealing just over half of local women undergo regular pap tests.
National guidelines recommend that all women aged 18 to 70, who have ever been sexually active, should have a pap test every two years.
However in 2011 to 2012, just 57.30 per cent of eligible women in Casey underwent a pap test – below the state average of 60 per cent.
PapScreen Victoria manager Hiranthi Perera said the latest statistics painted a concerning picture for women in Melbourne’s south-east.
“It is very worrying to learn that so many women from the region are not undergoing regular pap tests, however, it’s encouraging to see that the rate has slightly increased by 0.4 per cent from 2010/11,” she said.
“We know that some women feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about having pap tests, and our busy lives can make finding the time difficult.
“But a simple pap test every two years is the best way to protect yourself against cervical cancer.
“I encourage all women who are due for a pap test to make an appointment today.”
A pap test looks for abnormal changes to the cells on the cervix, which if left undetected and untreated, could develop into cervical cancer.
To find a pap test provider near you visit www.papscreen.org.au and enter your postcode or suburb into the search engine.