The Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC) is encouraging women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 to take advantage of its free community cervical screening clinics, helping to improve participation in one of Australia’s most effective cancer prevention programs.
More than 300 women and people with a cervix in NSW are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Cervical cancer disproportionately affects younger women and in most cases occurs in people who have never screened or who are overdue for a screening test.
CCCWHC Head of Women’s Health, Sophia Shippam, says increasing awareness and ensuring women have access to accurate information and supportive healthcare services is critical.
“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet we continue to see women diagnosed because they have never participated in screening or have delayed their test,” says Sophia.
“The good news is that the Cervical Screening Test is more effective than the old Pap test and only needs to be completed every five years. By attending regular screening, women can identify potential issues early, often before cancer develops.”
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that affects around 4 in 5 Australians at some point in their lives. While HPV often clears naturally, some types can cause changes to cervical cells that may develop into cancer if left undetected.
“Cervical Screening looks for HPV before it has the opportunity to cause serious harm,” says Sophia.
“Many people are surprised to learn that HPV is extremely common. Screening is not about judgement or risk factors; it’s about protecting your health and ensuring any changes are identified early.”
CCCWHC is also encouraging women to learn about self-collection, a screening option now available through healthcare providers.
“Self-collection has been a game changer for many women who may have delayed screening due to discomfort, embarrassment, cultural reasons, previous trauma, or simply because life gets busy,” adds Sophia
“The test is completed privately at one of our centre’s (or at your regular GP or medical centre), using a simple swab inserted a few centimetres into the vagina. It is just as accurate as a clinician-collected test and gives women greater choice and control over their healthcare.”
CCCWHC is encouraging anyone who is due or overdue for screening to book into one of their free community cervical screening clinics at Woy Woy, Wyoming or Wyong. All screenings are conducted together with a trauma-informed Women’s Health Nurse.
Woy Woy:
Peninsula Women’s Health Centre, 20 McMasters Rd Woy Woy
First Monday of each month. Next clinic: Monday 6 July.
Wyong:
38a Pacific Hwy, Wyong 2259
*Please note this clinic is not our Northern’s Women’s Health Centre Third Monday of each month. Next clinic: Monday 20 July.
Wyoming:
Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, 37 Maidens Brush Rd, Wyoming. By appointment.
Book your appointment today: ccwh.org.au/womens-health-clinic