Welcome to our second edition of the Clearinghouse Connector profiling information resources available to you through our Clearinghouse.

This issue looks at what’s been happening recently with screening for cervical cancer and brings you up-to-date with where we are at in regards to the HPV vaccine.

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What is HPV? What is the cervical cancer vaccine? How was it developed? Who is eligible for it and what about pap tests? For answers to these questions and more read this article written by Papscreen Victoria.

Detailed product information on the vaccine known as Gardasil was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration on the 16th June 2006. It available here.

Following the excitement around the development of the HPV vaccine, a discussion of the issues central to effective implementation of the HPV vaccination program can be accessed here.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has just released a report on the performance of the National Cervical Screening Program. It includes data on screening rates, detection of low and high-grade abnormalities, the incidence of cervical cancer, and mortality. You can access the report here.

How often should women undertake cervical screening? Every 1, 2 or 3 years? Is it time to change the current policy? For an opinion on this hotly debated topic read on.

A review of the cervical screening guidelines was undertaken and approved by the NHMRC in June 2005. These updated guidelines involved widespread consultation with leading experts in the fields, clinicians and consumers and provide an account of the latest research and data. You can access the guidelines here.

For a discussion of what the new guidelines mean for women and some of the changes and controversies read on.

Latest additions to the Clearinghouse

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released new data on mental health in Australia. Read more here.

A study of socioeconomic inequalities and cardiovascular disease in Australia has just been released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Click here to download.

The Australian Personal Safety Survey has been updated and provides information on both safety and violence. The results and a user guide are available.

Improving outcomes for women with a mental illness who have experienced sexual assault and/or family violence was the focus of the Building Partnerships Project. Read the Department of Human Services report on the project here.

How our Clearinghouse can help you

Women's Health Victoria's Clearinghouse has a wealth of information on gender in health available in various formats.

Our experienced health and information professionals can assist you to access this information.

To contact the clearinghouse email your request to clearinghouse@whv.org.au or phone 03 9662 3755.

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