❓ Hon Giz Watson questions the Minister for Health regarding the availability and superiority of the ThinPrep Pap Test for cervical cancer screening compared to traditional Pap smears, and whether the Minister will make it widely available in WA. The Minister acknowledges the test's availability at a cost but defends the current Pap smear as cost-effective.
AnsweredQoN 357Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
With regard to the provision of pap smear screening services for cervical cancer -
(1) Is the Minister aware that the thin prep test is considered a superior test and more effective in detecting cervical cancer earlier?
(2) Is the Minister aware that private laboratories such as Mayne Health offer and promote the thin prep test to women to screen for cervical cancer?
(3) Will the Minister be making this test widely available for all women in WA?
(1) Is the Minister aware that the thin prep test is considered a superior test and more effective in detecting cervical cancer earlier?
(2) Is the Minister aware that private laboratories such as Mayne Health offer and promote the thin prep test to women to screen for cervical cancer?
(3) Will the Minister be making this test widely available for all women in WA?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
21 February 2002
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Health
Response time
72 days
1.
At present the pap smear remains the most cost effective screening test for preventing cervical cancer by the detection of its precursors. There are no reliable estimates of the degree of extra accuracy achieved through the use of other cervical screening devices including the ThinPrep Pap Test.
2.
Promotion of the ThinPrep Pap Test by private laboratories is targeted at GPs and other health service providers and not directly to women.
3.
ThinPrep Pap Test is available to all women on request at a cost of approximately $25.
At present the pap smear remains the most cost effective screening test for preventing cervical cancer by the detection of its precursors. There are no reliable estimates of the degree of extra accuracy achieved through the use of other cervical screening devices including the ThinPrep Pap Test.
2.
Promotion of the ThinPrep Pap Test by private laboratories is targeted at GPs and other health service providers and not directly to women.
3.
ThinPrep Pap Test is available to all women on request at a cost of approximately $25.
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