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Cervical ScreeningWomen's Health Information Package
DefinitionCervical screening, sometimes called a Pap smear or test, is a simple procedure to check for changes to the cells of the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. A doctor or nurse takes a sample from the surface of the cervix and smears it onto a glass slide. The slide is analysed in a laboratory, and results are usually available within a week or two.  About the information resourcesThe resources on cervical screening contained in this information package were compiled following an extensive search of Women's Health Victoria 's (WHV) Clearinghouse Resource Collection database. The resources contain information on having Pap tests, understanding the results, colposcopies, and the human papilloma virus. Included are details of relevant books, journals, articles, web sites, pamphlets or videos that have been independently reviewed by a health professional. The emphasis is on the Australian situation and a social model of health and feminist approach provide the framework within which information is provided. Where possible, illustrations of women's experiences are provided. All of these resources and a range of others (not listed here) covering many topics from both medical and alternative therapy perspectives are available from the WHV Clearinghouse Resource Centre, http://www.whv.org.au/clearinghouse.htm. A description of how Women's Health Information packages are developed and resources chosen is available here.
Guidelines and research1. Guidelines for management of asymptomatic women with screen detected abnormalities Full text available here. Provides basic information about the updated guidelines (June 2005) for management of an abnormal smear result. For more detailed information, the complete guidelines can be accessed here. (184x pages, PDF 651KB)
 2. Clinical practice guidelines 2003 This is an excellent resource for health professionals with concise, evidence-based information on HPV and cervical screening. References for further reading are provided.
3. Taking better Pap smears This instructive article clearly explains the clinical process of taking cervical smears.
4. Human papillomavirus vaccine as a new way of preventing cervical cancer: a dream or the future? This article provides a thorough medical review of the research linking HPV and cervical cancer.
5. Over 60 firms in race for elusive cancer vaccines Full text available here. This article describes two vaccines for HPV that could be available by 2006.
Specific populations6. Lesbians need Pap tests too: a resource for general practitioners This simple guide explains the needs for lesbian women to have regular Pap smears. It also emphasises the need for inclusive language and understanding of lesbian health needs.
7. Lesbian health inequalities: a cultural minority issue for health professionals This article gives guidelines for healthcare providers to enhance the care of lesbian women.
8. Preventative women's health care for women with disabilities: guidelines for general practitioners Full text available here (38x pages, PDF 462KB) This provides practical information for professionals doing Pap smears (and other procedures) for women with disabilities. It suggests strategies for ensuring the woman's comfort, safety, and dignity.
9. Screened out! women with disabilities and cervical screening Full text available here (PDF 416KB) This six-month qualitative research project involved working with women with differing disabilities to explore their experiences of cervical screening. It concludes with the Women with Disabilities Access Audit Checklist for Pap test providers.
10. What about Pap tests for women with mental illness? Full text available here (PDF 441KB) This useful resource for health workers contains practical suggestions to remove barriers and facilitate regular screening of women with mental illness.
11. Barriers to cervical screening experienced by victims/survivors of sexual assault - pilot study This study suggests simple strategies for health providers to employ when thinking about how they might make it easier for women who have been sexually assaulted to cope with Pap tests.
Consumer focused informationFact sheets and pamphlets may be available directly through some general practices and community health centres as well as from the original source. 12. What is the Pap test? Full text available here. An easy-to-understand resource for women wanting basic information about why they need the test, how the test occurs, and what happens if there is an abnormal finding. PapScreen Victoria also offers audio options of this booklet for women who are visually impaired.
13. Early detection is the best protection Full text available here (PDF file 120KB) This pamphlet addresses some of the common reasons given by women for not having a Pap test and provides factual information in answer to their questions. It is available in English and other languages.
14. It's easy to forget your next Pap test Full text available here. This pamphlet describes the Pap test registry, why it was established and what information is recorded. Registration is optional and women can update their details (change of name or address) online. Basic information about the registry is on the back of the pamphlet in 10 other languages.
15. Lesbians need Pap tests too This pamphlet gives a simple explanation, based on the available evidence, of why women need a Pap test and what the procedure involves. It highlights the fact that lesbians fit into the category of women who need Pap tests. It specifically addresses the barriers to screening for lesbians and provides some strategies for effective communication with their doctor.
16. Genital HPV (genital warts) Full text available here. This is a two-page fact sheet for consumers. It explains HPV, its symptoms and diagnosis, and discusses the relationship of HPV to cervical cancer. It provides a good reflection of current Australian practices and available drug treatments.
17. Pap tests and the human papilloma virus This booklet is written in simple language and aims to provide reassuring information to those women who have HPV.
18. Abnormal Pap test results Full text available here. This small booklet has been developed specifically for consumers and it is based on the National Health and Medical Research Council 1994 'Guidelines for laboratory reporting on Pap tests, and for the management and treatment of abnormal conditions found by Pap tests'*. It is simple, easy to understand, provides a glossary of terms, and includes diagrams of abnormal cells. By giving simple, accurate information, the booklet reassures women that most abnormal cervical cells are not cancer. It discusses what the treatment options are for abnormal cells and describes follow-up procedures. There is also a list of questions to ask your doctor.
19. New technologies in cervical screening: are they necessary? This short article published in a women's health journal provides a good discussion and description of the current new technologies available for Pap tests. It discusses the benefits and a cost analysis of these technologies for individuals and for population screening. It also includes a table of smear test results, what they mean, and the recommended actions based on National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines* (see above).
20. The V book: vital facts about the vulva, vestibule, vagina and more This excellent book covers a number of serious health issues yet manages to be almost light-hearted in the way it provides information that is clear and accessible. The authors offer accurate and up-to-date explanations of "the smear test", HPV, abnormal smears, and cervical cancer in a style that would appeal to women of all ages.
21. Personal experience of colposcopy This article is one woman's description of her experience of a colposcopy. She talks about the practical aspects of the procedure and also her emotions and feelings, including the period of waiting for the results. The article addresses some of the fears and anxieties many women feel when they receive an abnormal smear result and need a colposcopy.
22. Everything's fine: women's stories of cervical dysplasia Full text available here (PDF 51KB) This six-page leaflet was a collaborative effort between a women's health service and a cervical cancer support group. It includes the stories of four women and their experience of abnormal Pap test results. Clear and accurate information accompanies the stories, aiming to reduce the fear of women who find themselves in a similar situation. NB: While the content is still relevant, the contact numbers contained within this resource are out of date.
23. "Darling I've got a disease." This short story of one woman's experience of HPV and abnormal cells on her cervix tells of her initial dismay, search for blame, successful treatment, and lesson learned that regular Pap tests are invaluable.
Web sites24. PapScreen Victoria This site contains excellent general information for consumers. It explains the Pap test, who needs it, how it can be performed, use of the Veda-Scope, HPV, abnormal results and treatments for cervical cancer. Consumers can also use the site to search for their nearest Pap test provider. Health professionals can use the site to access current issues on cervical screening. Resources may be ordered in up to thirty different languages.
25. Cervical Screening, Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing http://cervicalscreen.health.gov.au This site contains excellent general information on Pap tests and cervical cancer for both consumers and health professionals. The National Cervical Screening Program is explained, and publications can be downloaded. There are also brief personal stories by nine Australian women highlighting the benefits of regular Pap tests.
Languages other than EnglishIf you are looking for information on a variety of health topics in languages other than English try searching: Some services available in Victoria1. The Cancer Council, Victoria: Cancer Information and Support Service http://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer1/patients/supportServices/index.htm Provides information about screening, test results and treatments. 13 11 20
2. Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry Women can access their own information or change contact details. (03) 9250 0399
Resources reviewed June 2005 Women's Health Victoria would like to thank the staff at PapScreen Victoria ; Gippsland Women's Health Service; the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service; CASA House at the Royal Women's Hospital; and the Victorian Women with Disabilities Network who reviewed and/or contributed to this women's health information package. For details on how to locate any of this information or to confidentially discuss any of this information, contact your local Women’s Health Service or the RWH Women's Health Information Centre phone line, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on (03) 9344 2007; Country Callers: 1800 442 007; or email. Health professionals and other service providers wishing to access the services of the WHV Clearinghouse contact us by phone: (03) 9662 3755, fax: (03) 9663 7955; or email. Other resource information on various health topics can be accessed via the Clearinghouse Resource Collection database. Online access is available here. For easy printing of this document open the PDF version
YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US We would encourage you to take a moment to email our Health Information Officer, at clearinghouse@whv.org.au and let us know:
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