The New South Wales government has launched a new campaign urging people to complete a cervical screening test, with more than 40 per cent of eligible people across New South Wales not up to date with their screening.

Cervical cancer disproportionately affects Indigenous people, with the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare in 2018 indicating it is the fifth most common cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

The campaign is part of the New South Wales government and Cancer Institute NSW's efforts to reach the global goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2035

According to Cancer Australia, in 2020 there were 209 deaths from cervical cancer, which translates to an age-standardised mortality rate of 1.5 per 100,000 females. Both the incidence and mortality rates are higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women compared the general population.

An average of 30 women diagnosed each year and despite 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics figures indicating Indigenous women account for 3.8 per cent of the population, 11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women on average die from cervical cancer each year.

The test is recommended for eligible people aged 25 to 74 who have ever been sexually active and is available at a range of locations, including medical centres, community health centres or sexual health clinics.

Cancer Institute NSW's new cervical screening campaign will run across social media and radio, specifically targeting eligible people aged 30-50 years, including priority populations - people from a multicultural background and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-45 years.

The campaign will also be promoted on a range of radio stations across the state, including Koori Radio.

The announcement comes after the federal government launched a $10 million campaign in September to encourage women to get screened for cervical cancer and help Australia stay on track to eliminate the cancer by 2035.

NACCHO Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dawn Casey, labelled the announcement "significant".

"The national campaign is a significant step forward in raising awareness about cervical screening within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities," the Tagalaka woman said.

"It builds on the successful implementation of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection already taking place in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations."

New South Wales Minister for Health Ryan Park said a cervical screening test every five years is the best way to prevent cervical cancer.

"This life-saving Cervical Screening Test is very effective and is expected to reduce cervical cancer rates and deaths across Australian by 30 per cent, so I would encourage all eligible people to organise a screening," Mr Park said.

The test can be completed either by a healthcare provider collecting a sample, or for people to collect their own sample in private at a medical centre, a method which has seen an uptake increase from 8.7 per cent in the July to September 2022 quarter to almost 30 per cent in the quarter to June 2024.

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Cancer Institute NSW CEO, Professor Tracey O'Brien, urged all eligible people to do the test and reduce their risk of the deadly cancer.

"While Australia has one of the lowest cervical cancer rates in the world, in NSW this year 300 people are predicted to be diagnosed with this highly preventable disease," Professor O'Brien said.

"It's incredible to see such a big increase in the number of people opting to take advantage of the Test's self-collection option, but we need to see even more people reduce their cervical cancer risk.

"The Test may be a confronting experience for some, but the alternative is far worse."

Cancer Institute NSW has also developed a suite of online resources to enhance cervical screening awareness and access for people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

New South Wales Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison, said the self-collection option makes cervical cancer screening more accessible than before.

"Cervical cancer claims the lives of hundreds of Australians each year. We're encouraging people to put their health first and, if eligible, take advantage of life-saving cancer screening," Minister Harrison said.

"Early diagnosis can improve the chances of survival so it's vital women make it a priority."

For more information on cervical screening is available via the Cancer NSW website.