In light of new evidence, changes to the NCSP’s Guidelines for the clinical management of women at intermediate risk came into effect on 1 February. This follows the Cancer Council Australia Clinical Guidelines review of national data from the renewed program.
A review shows that women at i whose follow-up test is human papillomavirus (HPV) (not-16/18) positive, Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) prediction negative, possible, or low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (pLSIL or LSIL) will have a low likelihood of histologically confirmed high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (CIN2/3) or worse.
It is now recommended that women with a 12-month follow up HPV (not-16/18) result with LBC prediction negative, pLSIL or LSIL (intermediate risk result) should be recommended to undertake a further HPV follow up test in 12 months’ time following their previous HPV test instead of referral to colposcopy.
These include:
- Women two or more years overdue for screening at the time of the initial screen
- Women who identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- Women aged 50 years or older.
Further information about the changes and the revised cervical screening pathway flowchart is now on the Department of Health website.
Read the Frequently Asked Questions for more on the changes or view the NCSP Clinical Guidelines online.
Health care professionals can also visit our Cervical Screening pathways for more information.
To access HealthPathways, you will need the general login details. For more information, please contact our HealthPathways team at healthpathways@wentwest.com.au
For WSLHD and SCHN Staff, please access HealthPathways via the WSLHD/SCHN Intranet Applications page.