Recent updates to cervical screening in Australia highlight significant advancements in accessibility and convenience. The National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) now includes the option for self-collection of HPV samples. This initiative enables participants to collect their own vaginal swab in a clinical setting, offering a less invasive alternative to the traditional speculum-based clinician-collected method. Studies affirm that self-collection is equally accurate for detecting HPV and pre-cancerous changes. This option is particularly aimed at increasing screening participation among under-screened groups, including culturally diverse populations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

This change follows Australia’s commitment to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2035. The expanded self-collection model, available since July 2022, is expected to address barriers to traditional screening methods, such as discomfort and cultural sensitivities. 
It is now available to all individuals eligible for cervical screening, regardless of screening history, empowering more people to engage in preventative health measures. Healthcare providers are encouraged to educate their patients about this option, which has already seen positive responses 
for its inclusivity and ease of use.