Health Services > Cervical Screening Program

About the Program

The Queensland Cervical Screening Program is part of and supports the goal, aims and objectives of the National Cervical Screening Program.

The goal of the Program

To achieve optimal reductions in the incidence of, and morbidity and mortality attributable to, cervical cancer at an acceptable cost to the community.

The aims of the Program

to maximise the detection of precursors of cervical cancer within the target population by achieving high participation rates and standards across the cervical screening pathway
to encourage the development of services that are acceptable, appropriate and accessible to the target population
to promote access to information about cervical screening and follow-up services
to promote quality management and high standards of service delivery throughout the cervical screening pathway
to ensure accountability and appropriate monitoring and evaluation of the program at all levels.

At a state level, the Queensland Cervical Screening Program is responsible for:

strategic planning and policy advice relating to cervical screening
providing information and support for service providers and the community
developing and maintaining partnerships with relevant stakeholders
managing and maintaining the Queensland Health Pap Smear Register
promoting quality management in all aspects of the program
developing and disseminating evidence-based promotional and educational resources for service providers and the community
developing and implementing state-wide communication strategies to enhance women's participation in cervical screening
monitoring workforce needs across the cervical screening pathway
enhancing the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in cervical screening
maintaining and enhancing screening services in rural/remote areas specifically the Mobile Women's Health Service and the Rural and Remote Women's Health Program (through the Royal Flying Doctor Service).
monitoring the implementation of the program to evaluate its effectiveness and provide the basis for future policy and program development decisions.

Further information about the aims and objectives of the Queensland Cervical Screening Program are available in the Queensland Cervical Screening Program State Plan Phase 4 - 2007-2011.

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Last Updated: 15 August 2008
Last Reviewed: 23 September 2008