So, um, when was the last time you had a pap test?

A survey has revealed the number of Australian women aged 20 – 24 having regular pap tests is at a “shocking” low, having dropped by 4% in the last few years.

1:58PM, Jul 18

The latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that just 42.8% of Australian women reported having a pap test every two years, down from 47.1% in 2007-2008.

The findings are particularly concerning given this age group has the highest detection rate of high-grade abnormalities (precancerous cells) than any other age group.

The misconception that the HPV vaccine protects against all types of cervical cancer could be the reason less women are getting tested regularly, said Joe Tooma, CEO of the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation (ACCF).

"The current rate of Pap tests is particularly shocking … complacency is an extremely alarming issue," Tooma said.

"Young women need to understand that even if they have had the HPV vaccine, it only protects against 70 to 80% of cervical cancer caused by HPV, so they still need to have regular Pap tests," Tooma explained.

"Unfortunately the hard truth is the majority of women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer have never had Pap tests."

Research by the ACCF shows women under the age of 25 are more than twice as likely as older age groups to believe a Pap test is not as important for them as it is for older women.

"This is another worrying figure, especially as the nature of cervical cancer means that if detected early, the disease is usually highly treatable.

"Awareness of the importance of regular Pap tests for these younger women despite having had the HPV vaccine is the key to prevention," added Tooma.

Nervous about booking in for a pap? To put you at ease (and encourage you to make that freakin’ appointment!), the ACCF has partnered with Healthshare (www.healthshare.com.au), Australia’s Interactive Health Network in the Cervical Cancer online community. Log on to ask questions, read expert health guides and get free information by some of Australia’s leading experts in cervical disease prevention, detection and treatment.

What are you waiting for? Make that appointment now. Like, right now!

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