Since the 1960’s the incidence of cancer of the cervix has halved. A newer better test for identifying high risk virus will replace the older Pap smear. It is hoped that after instituting this newer technology, cancer of the cervix incidence will be reduced by a further 20%. Although the test would be done every five years in contrast to the pap test which is being done every two years, overseas experience and modelling has indicated that pick up rates will be higher with this newer program.

Medical Journal of Australia, October 2016.