Australian Medical Association

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said today – World Cancer Day – that there is an emerging risk of women becoming complacent about cervical cancer screening, particularly women who have been vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV).

“A study published last month in Women’s Health Issues showed that many young women believe that they do not need to continue having Pap smears if they have the HPV vaccine,” Dr Pesce said.

“Even though vaccination protects women against the type of HPV that causes about 70 per cent of all cervical cancers, it is vital for women who have been vaccinated to continue regular cervical screening to ensure that any cervical abnormalities which might develop into cancer are detected early whilst still easily treatable.”

AMA Position Statement: Cervical Cancer Screening - 1999

Youth Health: Sex and your health