Screening In Australia Research Articles

Cost-effectiveness of family history-based colorectal cancer screening in Australia.

BackgroundWith 14.234 diagnoses and over 4047 deaths reported in 2007, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer and second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in Australia. The direct treatment cost has recently been estimated to be around AU$1.2 billion for the year 2011, which corresponds to a four-fold increase, compared the cost reported in 2001. Excluding CRCs due to known rare genetic disorders, 20% to 25% of all CRCs occur in a familial aggregation setting due to genetic variants or shared environmental risk factors that are yet to be characterised. A targeted screening strategy addressed to this segment of the population is a potentially valuable tool for reducing the overall burden of CRC.MethodsWe developed a Markov model to assess the cost-effectiveness of three screening strategies offered to people at increased risk due to a strong family history of CRC. The model simulated the evolution of a cohort of 10,000 individuals from age 50 to 90 years. We compared screening with biennial iFOBT, five-yearly colonoscopy and ten-yearly colonoscopy versus the current strategy of the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (i.e. base case).ResultsUnder the NBCSP scenario, 6,491 persons developed CRC with an average screening lifetime cost of AU$3,441 per person. In comparison, screening with biennial iFOBT, colonoscopy every ten years, and colonoscopy every five years reduced CRC incidence by 27%, 35% and 60%, and mortality by 15%, 26% and 46% respectively. All three screening strategies had a cost under AU$50,000 per life year gained, which is regarded as the upper limit of acceptable cost-effectiveness in the Australian health system. At AU$12,405 per life year gained and an average lifetime expectancy of 16.084 years, five-yearly colonoscopy screening was the most cost-effective strategy.ConclusionThe model demonstrates that intensive CRC screening strategies targeting people at increased risk would be cost-effective in the Australian context. Our findings provide evidence that substantial health benefits can be generated from risk-based CRC screening at a relatively modest incremental cost.

Vitamin D concentrations in pregnant women with diabetes attending for antenatal care in Far North Queensland

Serum concentrations of vitamin D were measured in 101 pregnant women with diabetes, both pre-existing and gestational, who attended for antenatal care in Cairns Base Hospital. Eighty-two (81.2%) had sufficient concentrations of vitamin D, 12 (11.9%) had levels indicating insufficiency and 7 (6.9%) were deficient. These findings contrast with those in the general population of pregnant women in the region, among whom 93.1% have been shown to have sufficient levels. The study contributes to the ongoing debate around the need for universal antenatal vitamin D screening in Australia.

Prenatal β‐thalassemia carrier screening in Australia: healthcare professionals' perspectives of clinical practice

To gain a better understanding of healthcare professionals' practice and attitudes regarding prenatal β-thalassemia carrier screening in Australia. Qualitative study with semi-structured interviews of healthcare professionals (obstetricians, general practitioners, midwives, genetic counselors, and hematologists) involved in prenatal thalassemia carrier screening in public and private practice. Twenty-three healthcare providers were interviewed and several themes emerged. Participants described and acknowledged inconsistencies in the β-thalassemia screening processes, such as variability in ordering the tests, communicating the diagnosis, and action taken after diagnosis. They indicated a preference for more structure and valued the importance of screening guidelines but many of those involved in ordering the screening test were unaware of their availability. These healthcare professionals recognized they lacked knowledge regarding the screening process, and many had not undertaken education activities in this area in recent times. There were mixed views about the consent process, particularly at which stage this should be obtained, and what information is provided. β-thalassemia screening in Victoria occurs with apparent lack of awareness of guidelines and an acknowledged preference for a more systematic process and educational support. Informed consent was not considered an important component of this screening process.

Population‐based analysis of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening in younger men (<55 years) in Australia

To analyse the trends in opportunistic PSA screening in Australia, focusing on younger men (<55 years of age), to examine the effects of this screening on transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsy rates and to determine the nature of prostate cancers (PCas) being detected. All men who received an opportunistic screening PSA test and TRUS-guided biopsy between 2001 and 2008 in Australia were analysed using data from the Australian Cancer registry (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) and Medicare databases. The Victorian cancer registry was used to obtain Gleason scores. Age-standardized and age-specific rates were calculated, along with the incidence of PCa, and correlated with Gleason scores. A total 5 174 031 PSA tests detected 128 167 PCas in the period 2001-2008. During this period, PSA testing increased by 146% (a mean of 4629 tests per 100 000 men annually), with 80 and 59% increases in the rates of TRUS-guided biopsy and incidence of PCa, respectively. The highest increases in PSA screening occurred in men <55 years old and up to 1101 men had to be screened to detect one incident case of PCa (0.01%). Screening resulted in two thirds of men aged <55 years receiving a negative TRUS biopsy. There was no correlation with Gleason >7 tumours in patients aged <55 years. Despite the ongoing controversy about the merits of PCa screening, there was an increase in PSA testing, especially in men <55 years old, leading to a modestly higher incidence of PCa in Australia. Overall, PSA screening was associated with high rates of negative TRUS-biopsy and the detection of low/intermediate grade PCa among younger patients.

The impact of a two- versus three-yearly cervical screening interval recommendation on cervical cancer incidence and mortality: an analysis of trends in Australia, New Zealand, and England

To assess the impact of cervical screening interval recommendations on cervical cancer incidence and mortality during periods of organized and opportunistic screening in Australia (2-yearly screening interval for organized screening), New Zealand (3 yearly interval for organized screening), and England (3/5 yearly interval for organized screening). Changes in cervical cancer rates over two 10-year periods were assessed in each country among women aged 20-69 years using a standardized rate ratio (SRR). The SRR for opportunistic screening was calculated from 1973-1977 to 1983-1987 (mortality only), and for organized screening from 1993-1997 to 2003-2007 (mortality and incidence). During the period of opportunistic cervical screening, mortality reduced by 24% in Australia and 10% in England and Wales [Australia: SRR 0.76 (95% CI 0.71-0.83); England and Wales: SRR 0.90 (95% CI 0.87-0.93)]; no statistically significant reduction was observed in New Zealand [SRR 0.95 (95% CI 0.82-1.11)]. After the introduction of organized screening, mortality reduced 39-45% in each country [Australia: SRR 0.56 (95% CI 0.51-0.62); New Zealand: SRR 0.53 (95% CI 0.44-0.63); England and Wales: SRR 0.61 (95% CI 0.58-0.64)], while incidence reduced 19-38% [New Zealand: SRR 0.62 (95% CI 0.56-0.69); Australia: SRR 0.64 (95% CI 0.61-0.72); England: SRR 0.81 (95% CI 0.78-0.83)]. In the era of opportunistic screening, some reductions were observed in cervical cancer mortality rates, but these were relatively modest and seen inconsistently between countries. After the introduction of organized cervical screening, cervical cancer mortality rates fell by a similar amount (~40% or more) in all countries, and incidence fell by more than a third in Australia and New Zealand and by approximately one-fifth in England. Although several factors are likely to have influenced these observed reductions in cervical cancer rates, these findings do not support the more frequent 2-yearly cervical screening interval recommendation in Australia.

Queensland Lung Cancer Screening Study: rationale, design and methods

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Australia. Screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce lung cancer mortality. The feasibility of screening in Australia is unknown. This paper describes the rationale, design and methods of the Queensland Lung Cancer Screening Study. The aim of the study is to describe the methodology for a feasibility study of lung cancer screening by LDCT in Australia. The Queensland Lung Cancer Screening Study is an ongoing, prospective observational study of screening by LDCT at a single tertiary institution. Healthy volunteers at high risk of lung cancer (age 60-74 years; smoking history ≥30 pack years, current or quit within 15 years; forced expiratory volume in 1s ≥50% predicted) are recruited from the general public through newspaper advertisement and press release. Participants receive a LDCT scan of the chest at baseline, year 1 and year 2 using a multidetector helical computed tomography scanner and are followed up for a total of 5 years. Feasibility of screening will be assessed by cancer detection rates, lung nodule prevalence, optimal management strategies for lung nodules, economic costs, healthcare utilisation and participant quality of life. Studying LDCT screening in the Australian setting will help us understand how differences in populations, background diseases and healthcare structures modulate screening effectiveness. This information, together with results from overseas randomised studies, will inform and facilitate local policymaking.

"He didn't say that thalassaemia might come up" - β-thalassaemia carriers' experiences and attitudes.

Tests for haemoglobinopathy carrier status are the commonest genetic screening tests undertaken internationally. Carrier screening for β-thalassaemia is not coordinated in Victoria, Australia, and is instead incorporated into routine practice where most women are screened antenatally, through a full blood examination (FBE). Little is known about how women are screened for β-thalassaemia in Australia as well as their attitudes towards the screening process. This study was conducted to explore carriers' and carrier couples' experiences of and attitudes towards β-thalassaemia screening in Australia. Semi-structured interviews with 26 recently pregnant female carriers and ten carrier couples of β-thalassaemia were carried out. Interviews were analysed using inductive content analysis. Unexpectedly, more than half of the women had been made aware of their carrier status prior to pregnancy, with FBEs carried out for numerous reasons other than thalassaemia screening. Most women did not recall being told about thalassaemia before notification of their carrier status and therefore did not make a decision about being screened. They were generally accepting for doctors to decide about testing; however, would have preferred to have been made aware of the screening test. Women also reported receiving insufficient information after being notified of their carrier status, leading to misconceptions and confusion. This genetic screening process, incorporated into routine care whereby informed decisions were not being made by patients, was apparently acceptable overall. Based on the results of this study, we make the following recommendations: (1) individuals should be made aware that they are being tested for thalassaemia at least before a specific thalassaemia diagnostic test is performed; (2) current understanding by known carriers of thalassaemia should be assessed and any misconceptions corrected; (3) written information should be provided to carriers; (4) referral of carrier couples to specialists in thalassaemia and genetics is strongly recommended; (5) the term 'carrier of β-thalassaemia' should be used rather than 'thalassaemia minor'.

Expenditure and resource utilisation for cervical screening in Australia

BackgroundThe National Cervical Screening Program in Australia currently recommends that women aged 18–69 years are screened with conventional cytology every 2 years. Publicly funded HPV vaccination was introduced in 2007, and partly as a consequence, a renewal of the screening program that includes a review of screening recommendations has recently been announced. This study aimed to provide a baseline for such a review by quantifying screening program resource utilisation and costs in 2010.MethodsA detailed model of current cervical screening practice in Australia was constructed and we used data from the Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry to model age-specific compliance with screening and follow-up. We applied model-derived rate estimates to the 2010 Australian female population to calculate costs and numbers of colposcopies, biopsies, treatments for precancer and cervical cancers in that year, assuming that the numbers of these procedures were not yet substantially impacted by vaccination.ResultsThe total cost of the screening program in 2010 (excluding administrative program overheads) was estimated to be A$194.8M. We estimated that a total of 1.7 million primary screening smears costing $96.7M were conducted, a further 188,900 smears costing $10.9M were conducted to follow-up low grade abnormalities, 70,900 colposcopy and 34,100 histological evaluations together costing $21.2M were conducted, and about 18,900 treatments for precancerous lesions were performed (including retreatments), associated with a cost of $45.5M for treatment and post-treatment follow-up. We also estimated that $20.5M was spent on work-up and treatment for approximately 761 women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer. Overall, an estimated $23 was spent in 2010 for each adult woman in Australia on cervical screening program-related activities.ConclusionsApproximately half of the total cost of the screening program is spent on delivery of primary screening tests; but the introduction of HPV vaccination, new technologies, increasing the interval and changing the age range of screening is expected to have a substantial impact on this expenditure, as well as having some impact on follow-up and management costs. These estimates provide a benchmark for future assessment of the impact of changes to screening program recommendations to the costs of cervical screening in Australia.

Colorectal cancer screening in Australia: a community‐level perspective

To determine current colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates and the level of adherence to screening guidelines @a community level. A cross-sectional cohort of at-risk people aged 56-88 years randomly selected from the Hunter Community Study (HCS), Australia. Proportion ever reporting undertaking any CRC testing; current screening rates for each CRC screening modality; level of screening in accordance with national screening guidelines. Of the 1117 participants (70%) who returned a questionnaire, 777 were deemed asymptomatic and eligible for analysis. Overall, 63% of respondents had ever received any CRC testing. Forty-three per cent had ever had a faecal occult blood test (20% screened in the previous 2 years); 30% had ever had a colonoscopy (16% screened in the previous 5 years); and 7% had ever had a sigmoidoscopy (1% screened in the previous 5 years). Rates of adherence to screening guidelines were 21% for respondents who were @or slightly above average risk, and 45% for respondents who were @moderately increased or potentially high risk. Rates of CRC screening remain low. The screening rate for colonoscopy was particularly high among people who were @or slightly above average risk, despite such screening not being endorsed in the guidelines. Effective strategies to improve rates of CRC screening and appropriate use of colonoscopy are required across the entire at-risk population.

Screening for disease in the newborn: the evidence base for blood-spot screening

This paper reviews the evidence of benefit resulting from newborn screening in Australia as well as for some of those disorders not yet included in the Australian panels, and discusses briefly disorders under active consideration for inclusion in the screening panels.There is solid evidence of benefit from newborn screening for phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, and overall for the disorders included in tandem mass spectrometry screening. There is also some evidence of benefit for several disorders not screened for in Australia, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Harms resulting from screening include anxiety related to false positive results; adverse effects of unwarranted treatment for mild variants; unwanted genetic information; and the costs (opportunity costs) of screening. For well-run programs these harms are relatively small.Screening could become more effective with the development of good systems for rational consideration of disorders to be included, with the extended use of second tier testing to reduce the false positive rate, and with research on the most effective way to deal with mild variants. The most important aspect of increasing effectiveness is the full integration of the screening program, diagnostic laboratories, and the clinical service. This is already in place in Australasia.

Tay-Sachs disease preconception screening in Australia: self-knowledge of being an Ashkenazi Jew predicts carrier state better than does ancestral origin, although there is an increased risk for c.1421 + 1G &gt; C mutation in individuals with South African heritage

The Australasian Community Genetics Program provided a preconception screening for Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) to 4,105 Jewish high school students in Sydney and Melbourne over the 12-year period 1995-2007. By correlating the frequencies of mutant HEXA, MIM *606869 (gene map locus 15q23-q24) alleles with subjects' nominated ethnicity (Ashkenazi/Sephardi/Mixed) and grandparental birthplaces, we established that Ashkenazi ethnicity is a better predictor of TSD carrier status than grandparental ancestral origins. Screening self-identified Ashkenazi subjects detected 95% of TSD carriers (carrier frequency 1:25). Having mixed Ashkenazi and non-Ashkenazi heritage reduced the carrier frequency (1:97). South African heritage conveyed a fourfold risk of c.1421 + 1G > C mutation compared with other AJ subjects (odds ratio (OR), 4.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.83-9.62, p = 0.001), but this was the only specific case of ancestral origin improving diagnostic sensitivity over that based on determining Ashkenazi ethnicity. Carriers of c.1278insTATC mutations were more likely to have heritage from Western Europe (OR, 1.65 (95% CI, 1.04-2.60), p = 0.032) and South Eastern Europe (OR, 1.77 (95% CI, 1.14-2.73), p = 0.010). However, heritage from specific European countries investigated did not significantly alter the overall odds of TSD carrier status.

What Australian women want and when they want it: cervical screening testing preferences, decision‐making styles and information needs

New testing technologies and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have recently brought changes to cervical cancer screening. In 2006, the Australian government also changed the protocol for managing abnormal Pap smears. Australian women's attitudes and preferences to these changes are largely unknown. Quantitative data on information needs and community attitudes to informed decision making in screening in Australia are also limited. This national study measures women's preferences for testing and management of abnormal screening results, preferred decision-making styles and information needs for cervical cancer screening. A randomly selected sample of Australian women aged 18-70 participated in a structured telephone questionnaire, exploring testing preferences, information and decision-making needs. A total of 1279, of 1571 eligible women, participated in the study with an overall response rate of 81.4%. Half of the women (n = 637) preferred having their Pap smears at least annually, and 85% wanted concurrent HPV testing. A large proportion of women preferred to be involved in decision making for both routine Pap smears (87%) and follow-up for abnormal results (89%). The majority of women wanted information on screening risks (70%) and benefits (77%); of these 81 (85%) wanted this information before screening. However, 63% of women only wanted information about follow-up examinations if they had an abnormal Pap test result. Australian women want to be involved in decision making for cervical cancer screening and require information on the risks and benefits of Pap testing prior to undergoing any screening.

Towards evidence‐based dementia screening in Australia

Towards evidence‐based dementia screening in Australia

Costs and cost‐effectiveness of full implementation of a biennial faecal occult blood test screening program for bowel cancer in Australia

To examine the costs and cost-effectiveness of full implementation of biennial bowel cancer screening for Australian residents aged 50-74 years. Identification of existing economic models from 1993 to 2010 through searches of PubMed and economic analysis databases, and by seeking expert advice; and additional modelling to determine the costs and cost-effectiveness of full implementation of biennial faecal occult blood test screening for the five million adults in Australia aged 50-74 years. Estimated number of deaths from bowel cancer prevented, costs, and cost-effectiveness (cost per life-year gained [LYG]) of biennial bowel cancer screening. We identified six relevant economic analyses, all of which found colorectal cancer (CRC) screening to be very cost-effective, with costs per LYG under $55,000 per year in 2010 Australian dollars. Based on our additional modelling, we conservatively estimate that full implementation of biennial screening for people aged 50-74 years would have gross costs of $150 million, reduce CRC mortality by 15%-25%, prevent 300-500 deaths from bowel cancer, and save 3600-6000 life-years annually, for an undiscounted cost per LYG of $25,000-$41,667, compared with no screening, and not taking cost savings as a result of treatment into consideration. The additional expenditure required, after accounting for reductions in CRC incidence, savings in CRC treatment costs, and existing ad-hoc colonoscopy use, is likely to be less than $50 million annually. Full implementation of biennial faecal occult blood test screening in Australia can reduce bowel cancer mortality, and is an efficient use of health resources that would require modest additional government investment.

Contested Surveillance: Risk, Safety, and Cervical Screening in Australia

The expectation of participation in cervical screening programs has become a ubiquitous feature of women's lives; but despite the obvious importance of trying to prevent cervical cancer, both the expression and fulfilment of that expectation are far from straightforward. This is because the actors involved are not always consistent in their interpretation of the risks involved and safety sought. The history of cervical screening in Australia illustrates how the implementation of medical surveillance can be shaped by such interpretations. We argue in particular that conflict in Australia over screening frequency requires an explanation of this kind, and more broadly that we have entered an era of preventive medicine that can be described as one of 'contested surveillance'.

Contested Surveillance: Risk, Safety, and Cervical Screening in Australia

The expectation of participation in cervical screening programs has become a ubiquitous feature of women’s lives; but despite the obvious importance of trying to prevent cervical cancer, both the expression and fulfilment of that expectation are far from straightforward. This is because the actors involved are not always consistent in their interpretation of the risks involved and safety sought. The history of cervical screening in Australia illustrates how the implementation of medical surveillance can be shaped by such interpretations. We argue in particular that conflict in Australia over screening frequency requires an explanation of this kind, and more broadly that we have entered an era of preventive medicine that can be described as one of ‘contested surveillance’.

Towards evidence‐based dementia screening in Australia

So how can we improve ear ly detection of cognitiveimpairment, and what evidence base do we have for dementiascreening in Australia?A diagnosis of dementia relies on a full mental status assessment,with comprehensive history taking and physical examination. Pres-ently, detailed neuropsychological testing is the gold-standard toolfor objectively evaluating the magnitude and pattern of cognitivedecline. However, neuropsychological evaluation is costly, time-consuming and not generally available as only specialist psychol-ogists can do it. Consequently, general practitioners and specialistphysicians, who evaluate most patients presenting with cognitivecomplaints, administer brief screen ing instruments such as the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) to assess cognition. In Australia,the use of such instruments has been propagated by guidelines forprescribing acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. The MMSE has manydocumented and widely appreciated shortcomings. It lacks diagnos-tic specificity and is insensitive to patient variables such as extremelevels of education, premorbid ability and poor command ofEnglish.

Cervical cancer screening in Australia: modelled evaluation of the impact of changing the recommended interval from two to three years

BackgroundThe National Cervical Screening Program in Australia currently recommends that sexually active women between the ages of 18-70 years attend routine screening every 2 years. The publically funded National HPV Vaccination Program commenced in 2007, with catch-up in females aged 12-26 years conducted until 2009; and this may prompt consideration of whether the screening interval and other aspects of the organized screening program could be reviewed. The aim of the current evaluation was to assess the epidemiologic outcomes and cost implications of changing the recommended screening interval in Australia to 3 years.MethodsWe used a modelling approach to evaluate the effects of moving to a 3-yearly recommended screening interval. We used data from the Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry over the period 1997-2007 to model compliance with routine screening under current practice, and registry data from other countries with 3-yearly recommendations to inform assumptions about future screening behaviour under two alternative systems for screening organisation - retention of a reminder-based system (as in New Zealand), or a move to a call-and-recall system (as in England).ResultsA 3-yearly recommendation is predicted to be of similar effectiveness to the current 2-yearly recommendation, resulting in no substantial change to the total number of incident cervical cancer cases or cancer deaths, or to the estimated 0.68% average cumulative lifetime risk of cervical cancer in unvaccinated Australian women. However, a 3-yearly screening policy would be associated with decreases in the annual number of colposcopy and biopsy procedures performed (by 4-10%) and decreases in the number of treatments for pre-invasive lesions (by 2-4%). The magnitude of the decrease in the number of diagnostic procedures and treatments would depend on the method of screening organization, with call-and-recall screening associated with the highest reductions. The cost savings are predicted to be of the order of A$10-18 M annually, equivalent to 6-11% of the total cost of the current program (excluding overheads), with call-and-recall being associated with the greatest savings.ConclusionsLengthening the recommended screening interval to 3 years in Australia is not predicted to result in increases in rates of cervical cancer and is predicted to decrease the number of women undergoing diagnostic and treatment procedures. These findings are consistent with a large body of international evidence showing that screening more frequently than every three years with cervical cytology does not result in substantial gains in screening effectiveness.

Increased iodine deficiency in Victoria, Australia: analysis of neonatal thyroid‐stimulating hormone data, 2001 to 2006

To use neonatal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration data to measure the iodine status of the population of the Australian state of Victoria. Retrospective analysis of the results of 368,552 neonatal heel-prick blood tests for TSH concentration in Victoria in the years 2001-2006. Iodine deficiency as indicated by a mean percentage of neonatal TSH concentrations > 5 mIU/L of over 3% in accordance with World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund and International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorder criteria; comparison of findings for the nine Department of Human Services health regions in Victoria. The mean percentage of neonatal TSH concentrations > 5 mIU/L ranged from 4.07% in 2001 to 9.65% in 2006, and this increase was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The populations of all nine Victorian health regions showed increasing iodine deficiency over the study period. Metropolitan populations had higher iodine deficiency than non-metropolitan populations, and this difference was also statistically significant (P < 0.05). These results are consistent with urinary iodine excretion research in Victoria. The high percentage of elevated TSH concentrations among newborns is of concern and requires ongoing monitoring. Neonatal TSH assay is part of routine screening in Australia, and thus offers an effective and economical method of monitoring population iodine status.

Cytology and cervical cancer surveillance in an era of human papillomavirus vaccination

Cytological and cancer surveillance will provide the most effective indications of short-term effects and long-term outcomes of the introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Australia. This article outlines how this surveillance is proposed to occur through the established national monitoring mechanisms of the National Cervical Screening Program in the annual Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) publication 'Cervical screening in Australia'. Cytological surveillance will be possible principally through cytology data provided annually by the state and territory cervical cytology registers, and it is expected that these data will provide the earliest and most comprehensive indications of effects from the HPV vaccine. Some potential issues in interpreting these data are also discussed, including the potentially confounding effects of the introduction of new National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines 'Screening to prevent cervical cancer: guidelines for the management of asymptomatic women with screen-detected abnormalities' some 9 months before the introduction of the vaccine. Cancer surveillance over the long term will be possible using cervical cancer incidence data reported annually for the National Cervical Screening Program in 'Cervical screening in Australia' using data sourced from the Australian Cancer Database. In a final discourse, the HPV vaccine and cervical screening are discussed concurrently, and the importance of continued cervical screening in the HPV vaccine era emphasised.