Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and people with a cervix experience higher rates of cervical cancer compared with non-Indigenous groups. Cervical screening aims to reduce mortality from cervical cancer through 5-yearly screening. As of July 2022, self-collection became available as part of the NCSP, for eligible patients, to increase participation in cervical screening. Screening rates remain lower in Indigenous groups, compared with non-Indigenous groups. Cultural, historical, and social factors may influence Indigenous women’s choice to participate in cervical screening, for instance due to mistrust of institutions in the setting of intergenerational trauma and colonial violence.

A literature review on rates of cervical screening in Aboriginal and Torres Straight women and people with a cervix showed that (1) rates of screening in Indigenous groups are lower than in the general population, (2) the rates of screening were higher in Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisation (ACCHO) settings than non-ACCHO settings, and (3) rates of screening were lower in regional settings, compared to metropolitan or remote settings. This informed our case discussion on the nurse-led cervical screening program at our ACCHO in regional Victoria, including an exploration of benefits, barriers, and future opportunities.