Cervical Screening Registry
In July 2018, the WA Cervical Screening Registry transferred its services to the new National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR). The NCSR has been built to support the changes to cervical screening in Australia, including the introduction of the new Cervical Screening Test.
The Commonwealth Department of Health manages the NCSR – a central confidential database containing cervical screening and follow-up test results.
If you are due or overdue for your cervical screening or follow-up test, the NCSR will send you an invitation or reminder to book an appointment with your healthcare provider. If you are seeking information in relation to your test results or screening history, please contact the NCSR on 1800 627 701.
Find out more about the NCSR on the Australian Department of Health website (external site) or by visiting the NCSR website (external site).
Locally, the WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program (WACCPP) continues to manage the WA Cervical Screening Register. This confidential state-based register holds a copy of all cervical test results from individuals living in WA at the time of their test. This information is used for service planning, performance monitoring and evaluation and approved research.
Collection and use of information in the WA Cervical Screening Register
The WACCPP receives a copy of cervical test information from the NCSR. This is held in the WA Cervical Screening Register for local use, as per the Health (Cervical Screening Register) Regulations, 1991 (WA) (external site).
What type of information is stored?
Information held in the WA Cervical Screening Register may include:
- your name
- your date of birth
- your address
- your Medicare number
- the date and result of each cervical screening or follow-up test
- the name, address and provider number of the healthcare provider that requested and carried out your test
- the name and other identifying details of the laboratory that examined your test.
How is my information used?
The WACCPP uses information in the WA Cervical Screening Register for the following reasons:
- to publish statistics for increasing public awareness
- for service planning, performance monitoring and evaluation
- for reporting requirements
- for approved research into cervical cancer and its prevention
- to carry out quality improvement activities with the NCSR.
Data provided for public awareness and reporting does not contain any information that would identify you or any other individual in the register.
How is my information kept private?
The privacy of the information held in the WA Cervical Screening Register is protected by law – Health (Cervical Screening Register) Regulations, 1991 (WA) (external site).
Further, information held the NCSR is underpinned by the National Cancer Screening Register Act 2016 (external site).
These laws protect your privacy, meaning that only yourself and those directly involved in your care (your healthcare provider and the laboratory that examines your test) are able to access your results.
How do I access my own record?
It is recommended that you seek the support of your healthcare provider if you wish to obtain your cervical screening history, as register results are in a coded format.
You can also directly request access to your own record by contacting the NCSR on 1800 627 701.
Updating my contact details
The NCSR uses Medicare information to contact you when you are due or overdue for your cervical screening or follow-up test.
If your name or address has changed, you will need to update your contact details with Medicare. You can do this by contacting Medicare by phone on 13 20 11 or by visiting myGov (external site).
More information
WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program (WACCPP)
Level 1, 675 Murray Street
West Perth WA 6005
Phone: (08) 6458 1740
Email: cervicalscreening@health.wa.gov.au
Fax: (08) 6458 1755
Where to get help
- See your doctor
- Visit a GP after hours
- Ring healthdirect on 1800 022 222
Last reviewed: 04-07-2022
Acknowledgements
WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.
