SHQ 2 U: A Groundbreaking Cervical Screening Program for People with Disabilities
SHQ is proud to launch Australia’s first program dedicated to providing cervical screening for people with disabilities—wherever they feel most comfortable. Funded by the Federal Health Department, this pilot project aims to remove barriers to screening by offering a fully accessible and person-centred service.
We are actively seeking collaboration with stakeholders across the disability sector to ensure this service is truly inclusive and tailored to the needs of the community. With this initiative, people with disabilities can feel confident knowing that cervical screening has been designed with their comfort and accessibility in mind.
People with disabilities should receive cervical screening tests, just like anyone else, and should be offered the same screening options, including self-collection and clinician-collection, with appropriate support and accessible services.
Why is this pilot so important?
Australia aims by 2035 to be the first country in the world that to eliminate cervical cancer.
People with disabilities have lower rates of cervical screening for various reasons.
These include:
- Lack of awareness and information: Many people with disabilities have
limited access to information about cervical screening in accessible formats - Fear of discomfort: Families and support workers may hesitate to seek screenings due to
concerns about discomfort or perceived challenges. - Difficulties with appointment scheduling and accessibility: Many
individuals face challenges with arranging appointments at convenient times
or with appropriate support, particularly when healthcare facilities do not meet
accessibility needs. - Negative previous healthcare experiences: Many people with disabilities
have had poor experiences with health providers, leading to a lack of trust or
reluctance to seek care. - Healthcare provider barriers: Some healthcare providers do not fully
understand the importance of cervical screening for people with disabilities or
may not have the necessary training or equipment.
Why is cervical screening important?
Regular screening can help keep your cervix healthy.
The purpose of CSTs is to look for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which may lead to cancer in the future.
Over 99% of cervical cancer is caused by HPV. It’s a common sexually transmissible infection (STI) with up to 90% of people having at least one genital type of HPV at some point in their life and can go away on their own without causing problems. There are many different strains of HPV, but some of them can cause cervical cancer.
HPV is transmitted through genital skin contact (and not just sex) and condoms and dams don’t provide 100% protection against HPV. This means that testing is the best way to prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV.
Who should have a Cervical Screening Test?
In 2017, the Pap smear was replaced with the cervical screening test.
The new test is more accurate and looks for the cause of most cervical cancer, human papilloma virus (HPV).
People with a cervix now have greater choice in screening options for the cervical screening test. This means that if you have a cervix and are 25-74 years of age, you will have two options for your cervical screening:
- Your clinician collecting the sample for you
- You collect the sample on your own
Both options are available at in-home appointments and are accurate, safe, and effective ways to screen for cervical cancer.