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The Queensland Cervical Screening Program monitors the performance of the Program to inform policy and practice and ensure it is achieving its aims and objectives.
The Queensland Cervical Screening Program (QCSP) is a successful population health program that has reduced the incidence of and mortality associated with cervical cancer in Queensland since the Program commenced in 1991. Between 1991 and 2008, the cervical cancer incidence rate in Queensland decreased by 52% and the mortality rate fell by 48%[1] . In 2008, there were 150 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in Queensland and 50 deaths[1].
Measuring participation is a critical indicator of the success of the QCSP. The current National Cervical Screening Policy regarding participation in cervical screening can be found on the National Cervical Screening Program website. Women recommended for screening should have a Pap smear once every two years.
The participation rate is calculated as the number of eligible women aged 20 to 69 years registered on the Queensland Health Pap Smear Register (PSR) who had a Pap smear within a two year period as a proportion of the eligible population. Women who choose not to have their details sent to the Queensland Health PSR or who choose to have their details removed from the Queensland Health PSR are excluded from the rate.
The Queensland cervical screening participation rate for women aged 20 to 69 years in 2008-2009 was 57%, which was lower than the national average participation rate of 58.6%[2].
Additional information about cervical screening and cervical cancer in Queensland is contained in the following statistical reports:
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