The questions answered in this podcast are listed below. They were compiled by GPs and health professionals around Australia.

1. How accurate is self-collection?
2. How often is self-collection?
3. Who is suitable for self-collection?
4. Who is eligible for the Medicare rebate?
5. What do you say about GPs feeling concerned about missed opportunities for vulva or pelvic examination if you’re offering self-collection?
6. How should we be talking to people about self-collection and what are the key messages that GPs need to be giving?
7. Can a GP or nurse do the collection for the patient? What are the circumstances for them to do this?
8. If self-collection is acceptable, then why is it said to be so important to visualize the cervix when a GP takes a cervical screening?

Guests: Prof Deborah Bateson, Professor of Practice, Co-lead, Cervical Cancer and HPV Stream
& Dr Rebecca South, Women’s Health General Practitioner

Total time: 20 mins

Recommended resources:

• Cancer Council Australia | National cervical screening program
• Australian Government | National Cervical Screening Program – Healthcare provider toolkit
• Australian Government | Self-collection for the Cervical Screening Test