High Cervical Cancer Screening Rates and Low Human Papillomavirus Detection in the Remote Torres Strait, Far North Queensland

Abstract

Across Australia, cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates is highest in those living in rural and remote areas, First Nations people and those residing in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage. One such area is the Torres Strait, Queensland, with 81% of residents identifying as a First Nations person. To date, cervical cancer screening rates have not been examined in this area. This retrospective review aims to review the cervical cancer screening rates among people living in the Torres Strait over a 4-year and 7-month period from December 1, 2017, to June 30, 2022. Our findings revealed that, of those eligible for a cervical screening test, 2060/2920 (70.5%) had one or more cervical screening tests during the study period, resulting in an estimated five-year cervical screening coverage rate of 75.1%. No human papilloma virus was detected in 1935/2060 (93.9%) of tests. These findings we hope will refine local healthcare delivery to achieve the targets in the National Strategy, eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2035 in Australia.