Cervical Screening in NSW: Annual Statistical Report 2007-2008

Cancer reports
11 Jul 2011
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This report provides information on the number of women participating in cervical screening in NSW and the impact of cervical cancer on the community, including new cases and the number of deaths from the disease.

Cervical screening, as a means of early detection of cervical cancer, has been a very successful public health achievement in the modern era. It is estimated to be more than 90 per cent effective in preventing cases of cervical cancer in women.

This report demonstrates that there has been a progressive decline in the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in women in NSW. In the past 10 years of available data (1999-2008), the incidence and mortality rates fell by 25 per cent and 21 per cent respectively. What is encouraging is this decline directly coincided with the establishment of the NSW Cervical Screening Program in the mid-1990s.

This report is a valuable source of information on cervical cancer screening for cervical cancer providers, researchers, planners, academics, students and for the people of NSW.

Key facts

  • In 2008, there were 248 new cases and more than 100 deaths from cervical cancer in NSW.
  • It is the fifteenth most common cancer and eighteenth most common cause of cancer deaths in NSW women.
  • In 2007-08, 1,393,156 women had Pap tests in NSW.
  • Of these, 1,336,048 women were aged 20-69 years.
  • The highest two-year screening rate (64.4%) was in the 55-59 year age group and the lowest (44.2%) in the 20-24 year age group.
  • The highest two-year screening rate was in women living in the 'Inner Regional' areas (60.4%) and the lowest (46.7%) in 'Very Remote' areas.
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