Introduction

The renewed National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) using a primary oncogenic HPV test with partial genotyping and reflex liquid based cytology, will commence later this year. The renewed NCSP requires new and updated guidelines to support the program and assist health professionals in the management of women participating in the program.

Methods

The Department of Health contracted Cancer Council Australia (CCA) to develop evidence-based guidelines to support the renewed NCSP. An expert working party developed structured clinical questions that informed a systematic and general literature review and modelling when there was a paucity of relevant literature. Following an exhaustive NHMRC aligned process, including wide public consultation, new guideline recommendations have been developed and submitted to relevant Colleges for endorsement. Recommendations are evidence based, consensus based or practice points, all conforming to NHMRC approved terminology and definitions for recommendations

Results

The Guidelines contain 156 recommendations, some well known and updated from the old 2005 NHMRC approved guidelines, while others are new reflecting the increased scope of the guidelines and the change to primary HPV based cervical screening. They will be published in Wiki format on the CCA website and will also be available in PDF.

Recommendations include the following new topics: Management of oncogenic HPV results; colposcopy management and treatment; screening in indigenous women, immune-deficient women and women who experience sexual activity at a young age; and investigation of abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Discussion

These guidelines are crucial to the successful implementation of the renewed  NCSP. This overview highlights the need for wide dissemination and uptake by health professionals to achieve their full potential.