Latest news with #NCSP
ABC News
2 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Why your next cervical screening could be a 'completely different experience'
A pap smear or cervical screening is not the most exciting errand, but if you've been putting it off you may have different options this time. While you may be familiar with the term "pap smear", the test was actually replaced by the cervical screening test back in 2017. It's not just a new name, the cervical screening test can detect the risk of developing cancer earlier than a pap smear could. Since 2022, self-collection has been added as an option. Judith Hammond — a women's health GP at Jean Hailes for Women's Health — says if you are 25 (or older) and have been sexually active, you are due to start cervical screening, and it should occur every five years. The National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) says you're eligible if you're aged between 25 and 74, have ever been sexually active and have a cervix. Depending on your age, this may have changed. Before the switch to cervical screening in 2017, women aged between 18 and 70 were asked to see a doctor and do a pap test every two years. Dr Hammond says cervical screening can detect the risk of developing cervical cancer earlier and "the other reason we're not doing cervical screening as frequently is because we're seeing fewer HPV infections because women are having the HPV vaccine". It can be easy to lose track of when you last had a cervical screening, especially because they are now recommended at five-year intervals Dr Hammond says you or your doctor can check your screening history via the National Cancer Screening Register. Chair of the Cancer Council's Cancer Screening and Immunisation Committee, Karen Canfell, says the register also "writes to eligible screening participants to invite them to screen at their preferred primary healthcare provider, usually around three months before their HPV screening test is due". Reminders are now being sent via text, but you can still opt to get them posted to your address. The register gets your address from Medicare so it may also be worth considering if it's current. Dr Hammond says you could also help yourself remember by having it done around a significant birthday or someone else's and associate it with that. If you first have a cervical screening around your 25th birthday, you might remember to get it done in half-decade intervals at 30, 35, 40, she explains. Self-collection has been available since 2022 and Professor Canfell says it is helping to support "people who might be uncomfortable with direct involvement of a clinician to take control of their screening". "It's potentially a completely different experience now". Self-collection is facilitated by a healthcare provider, so you will still need to make a booking. Dr Hammond says cervical screening is less invasive and faster than the traditional pap smear or pap test. She says a doctor can do a cervical screening for you, or you can do it yourself, behind the curtain in the consultation room, in the clinic bathroom or you may be able to take the test home. "You just insert it similar to a COVID test … the swab looks similar, you just insert it into the vagina and give it a bit of a swish around." Afterwards, Dr Hammond says you pop it back into the tube it came in and it is sent on to be checked for HPV. Dr Hammond says if you have symptoms such as "bleeding between periods or bleeding after intercourse" the doctor may suggest a liquid-based cytology test (which is very similar to a pap smear), as well as doing the HPV screening. If your initial screening results warrant further investigation you may also have a liquid-based cytology test as part of the follow-up, she says. Like a pap smear, Dr Hammond says it involves a speculum (a plastic device that comes in a variety of sizes) sliding into the vagina and collecting a sample. If you have had negative experiences previously or have any concerns it's helpful to mention them with your doctor beforehand, she says. A cervical screening tests looks for human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Dr Hammond says "we now understand that almost all cancer of the cervix is caused by human papillomavirus." Professor Canfell says there are many different types of HPV and only some have been linked to the abnormal cell changes in the cervix that can become cancer. "It's really about identifying that a person is at higher risk if they are carrying those types and … making sure that the appropriate follow up and, if necessary, diagnostic examination is conducted from there." Australia's NCSP began in 1991, and as a result Professor Canfell says "Australia has one of the world's lowest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates". "Put simply, participating in the program could save your life" Dr Hammond says it will normally take about two weeks to receive your results. Professor Canfell says "most people will test negative for HPV and be advised to re-screen again in five years' time up until the age of 74". However, "some people may receive a positive result for HPV infection and be referred for a follow-up test in a year or so, noting that HPV is a common infection and is often resolved by the body's immune system, with no intervention required". She says some types of HPV or abnormal cell development may require treatment, which your doctor will talk you through. This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.
ABC News
08-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
How to check your eligibility for early cancer screening programs
Data provided to Four Corners by Cancer Australia has painted a concerning picture for young Australians. Between the years 2000 and 2024 — in 30–39-year-olds — early onset prostate, pancreatic, liver, uterine and kidney cancer diagnoses increased dramatically in varying percentages. Some increases, such as prostate cancer, might be explained by changes in the way they are diagnosed — but most cannot. Screening still is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of cancer and there are several national programs that test eligible Australians for various forms of cancer. Eligibility for some programs has recently been expanded to reflect the increasing cancer rates among younger Australians, while other programs have just rolled out this month. These are the eligibility details for each. Women aged 25–74 are able to participate in Australia's cervical screening program, which is to be repeated every five years. The cervical screen test is straightforward and checks for the human papillomavirus, a common virus that can cause cervical cancer. You can either self-collect or book an appointment with your GP. Self-collection allows a person to collect their own vaginal sample in a private space in a primary healthcare setting, potentially reducing barriers to cervical screening. Previously, self-collection was only available to people who were 30 years of age or over and had never participated in the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) or who were overdue for cervical screening by two years or longer. You can contact your GP to talk about what the most suitable option for you is. If you are aged between 45 and 74 you are eligible for a free bowel cancer screening kit. The test is for people who have no signs or symptoms of bowel cancer. This is because bowel cancer can develop without you noticing the early signs. Australians between the ages of 45 and 49 can request a bowel cancer screening kit, which will be sent to them via mail. People aged 50 to 74 years old will receive a kit every two years. The screening age was lowered from 50 to 45 last year due to increasing rates of colorectal cancer in Australia among people under the age of 50. If you are outside the age range for a free screening but wish to receive one, speak with your GP. Your doctor may recommend bowel screening available via Medicare. Bowel screening kits are also available for purchase at pharmacies or online. If you have signs, symptoms, or a family history of bowel cancer, this test may not be suitable for you. If you are under screening age, you may not need to do the test if you have had a colonoscopy in the last two years or are seeing a doctor about bowel problems. Breast cancer screening is recommended for women aged 50–74 and should be repeated every two years. Once an eligible individual turns 50 they will be sent an invitation to receive a free mammogram. Women aged 40–49 and those aged over 74 are also eligible to receive a free mammogram if they don't have symptoms of breast cancer but they will not receive an invitation. For women under 40, breast screening isn't offered for free and is less effective, the Breast Cancer Network of Australia says. If you're concerned you may have a higher risk of breast cancer, you should talk to your GP as a breast ultrasound or MRI may be better. If you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer because of family history, for example, you may be offered free mammograms each year. You can find your closest BreastScreen clinic here. A national lung cancer screening program was introduced as of July 1 this year. The program screens for lung cancer in high-risk individuals using low-dose computed tomography (low-dose CT) scans. People are eligible for the program if they are aged between 50 and 70 years and: Prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and skin cancer are commonly diagnosed among Australians, but we do not yet have population-based screening programs for those cancers. The Australian Standing Committee on Screening has found the harms of offering tests for these cancers to large target groups outweigh the benefits or do not result in fewer deaths. Instead, it's recommended you speak to your doctor if you have a family history of ovarian cancer about options for managing your risk and your concerns. You can book a skin check with your GP and the Australian Cancer Council provides guidance on how to check your skin here. And men with a family history of prostate cancer or symptoms that could indicate problems (difficult or frequent passing of urine) should speak with their doctor. Keep an eye out for any unusual changes to your body, such as: All of these symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer. Speak to your GP about any health concerns. You can also sign up to the National Screening Register, which provides program information and reminders to participants. It acts as a single electronic record for each Australian taking part in the bowel, cervical and lung cancer screening programs. You can register here.
Associated Press
03-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
10+ Top Government Voices to Drive National Cybersecurity Dialogue at Philsec 2025
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, July 3, 2025 / / -- At a time when one in four Filipino companies is getting exposed to cyber-attacks, the Philippines government is actively enacting laws and policies to recognize the growing significance of cybersecurity. Following President Marcos' approval of National Cyber Security Plan (NCSP) 2024-2028, the archipelagic country has outlined strategies and programs for protecting the State and its people in cyberspace alongside focusing on cybersecurity capacity building and fortifying the policy framework. Tech organisations trying to make an entry into the market are encouraged to find a local partner, agent, or distributor, especially when bidding on a government tender. Some of the key partnering opportunities fall under information and network security, IT auditing and consulting, digital forensics, threat intelligence, software development, and more. Aligning the platform with the above developments and linking public & private sector's biggest stakeholders with global security experts, PhilSec is returning with its 5th edition on 22 – 23 July 2025. Taking place at the super elegant, Manila Marriott Hotel, the two-day event will propagate the government's vision, forward plan and the objectives of NCSP of enabling public-private partnerships, providing C-suite leaders with cutting-edge security framework and developing a culture of cybersecurity resilience and awareness. Visionaries from notable government institutions will take the centre stage to give a comprehensive rundown of the industry's most crucial topics including the Philippines' Data Privacy Act (RA 10173), AI-Driven Data Security, Cybersecurity for SMEs, Weaponized IoT Devices, Identity Verification, Zero Trust, Privileged Access Management, and many more. Some of the stellar names include: • Atty. Jose Sutton Belarmino II, Deputy Privacy Commissioner, National Privacy Commission • Wilkins Win Wong, Assistant Director, Securities and Exchange Commission • Jonathan Pineda, Chief Information Security Officer, Government Service Insurance System • Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong, Undersecretary and Chief Information Officer, Department of Health • Francel Margareth, Cybersecurity Woman Leader and Evangelist, Armed Forces of the Philippines • Arlene Romasanta, IT Director and CIO, Department of Environment and Natural Resources • Joseph Victor Generato, Director II, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) • Jay Guillermo, Chief - Cyber Response Unit, Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group • Maria Concepcion Gloria-Rubio, Data Protection Officer, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation These subject-matter experts together with the leading thought leaders from the private sector will impart the most compelling insights, groundbreaking strategies, real-world use cases, in-demand case studies, future projection and a lot more. Adding unmatched executive firepower, PhilSec 2025 will host over 800 senior cybersecurity professionals and key decision-makers from leading Filipino organisations. While the event's conference hall will help the attendees in keeping abreast of the latest industry developments, the exhibition arena on the other hand will equip their organisations with cutting-edge tools and solutions to elevate their security posture. From Endpoint Security, Real-time Attack Intelligence to DDoS Defense and Mobile App Fraud Prevention, PhilSec 2025 will project the best-in-class innovations across A-to-Z domains whilst addressing the nation's existential concerns. Driving the momentum behind this showcase will be powerhouses such as Recorded Future, Globe Business, Orca Security, Sangfor Technologies, Splunk, Fastly, ManageEngine, Mimecast, Rubrik, SANS, Radware, D'Crypt, ST Engineering, SecPod, and others. Subsequent to the alarming number of cyber attacks in 2025 that ranked the Philippines as one of the most targeted countries in Southeast Asia, PhilSec 2025 couldn't have arrived at a better time. Speaking his mind on the upcoming edition, Sudhir Ranjan Jena, the CEO of the organizing body - Tradepass, stated, 'Now a cornerstone of the nation's cyber defense strategy, PhilSec has become the definitive platform where government and industry unite to counter rising threats and fortify the Philippines' digital sovereignty.' For more information about the event, log on to: Media contact: Shrinkhal Sharad PR & Communication Lead [email protected] + (91) 80 6166 4401 Tradepass About Tradepass Providing access to the global emerging markets, Tradepass brings together people, products and solutions to power events for unparalleled business and networking opportunities. Being the most accredited event company, it helps organizations: enter new markets, grow sales pipeline, close prospects, raise capital and identify the right solution-providers. As a deal facilitator, Tradepass is always determined about exposing the most agile liquid growth markets, to enable all-round scalability and growth. Shrinkhal Sharad Tradepass +91 97415 77633 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
The Star
08-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Rise in antibiotic-resistant sexually transmitted infections
If you're having unprotected sex with a new or casual partner, get yourself tested for STIs annually even if there are no symptoms. — Freepik There has been a 'concerning jump' in cases of gonorrhoea resistant to strong antibiotics, health officials have warned. New figures from the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show there have been more cases of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea that are resistant to the antibiotic ceftriaxone so far in 2025 than the whole of last year. Overall, there was a 16% drop in gonorrhoea cases in 2024 in England, with 71,802 diagnoses, compared with 85,370 in 2023. However, ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea cases are being detected more frequently – with 14 in the first five months of 2025 compared with 13 in 2024. Six of the 14 cases this year have been 'extensively drug-resistant,' which means that they were resistant to ceftriaxone and then to second-line treatment options, according to the UKHSA. Ceftriaxone is a strong antibiotic and the main treatment for gonorrhoea. Experts are therefore concerned when infections fail to respond to it. Most of these drug-resistant cases are linked with travel to or from the Asia-Pacific region, where the prevalence of ceftriaxone resistance is high. Elsewhere, among people in England, early-stage syphilis diagnoses rose 1.7%, from 9,375 in 2023 to 9,535 in 2024. The overall figure for syphilis, including late-stage syphilis or complications from the infection, increased 5% from 12,456 in 2023 to 13,030 in 2024. Chlamydia fell 13%, from 194,143 diagnoses in 2023 to 168,889 in 2024, while people diagnosed for the first time with genital warts also dropped. Among women aged 15 to 24 who are recommended to be screened through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP), there was a 10.7% decrease in the number of chlamydia tests carried out, from 673,102 to 601,295. Dr Hamish Mohammed, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Levels of STIs in this country remain a big threat to sexual well-being. 'These infections can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners – particularly if they are antibiotic resistant. 'If you've had condomless sex with new or casual partners – either in the UK or overseas – get tested for STIs and HIV at least yearly, even if you don't have symptoms. 'Regular testing protects both you and those you're having sex with. 'From August, eligible people will also be offered vaccination to reduce the risk of gonorrhoea and we expect to see the immunisation programme have an impact on diagnoses of this infection in coming years.' Professor Matt Phillips, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, said: 'Whilst it is encouraging to see a fall in the total number of STI diagnoses this year, we nonetheless continue to see historically high rates of sexual infection, with particularly worrying continued increases in infections such as syphilis, which are at their highest-ever levels, and the continued spread of antibiotic-resistant disease.' It is vital that clear steps are put in place to reverse these trends. He added: 'Sexual health services remain under immense pressure and these new tools risk being deployed into overstretched systems unable to support them effectively. 'We find ourselves at a critical point for securing the long-term viability of sexual health services in this country. 'Only a joined-up, ambitious national strategy can ensure that we are prepared not just for today's sexual health challenges, but for those we know are coming.' – PA Media/dpa
ITV News
03-06-2025
- Health
- ITV News
'Concerning jump' in antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea
There has been a "concerning jump" in cases of gonorrhoea resistant to strong antibiotics, health officials have warned. New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show there have been more cases of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) that are resistant to the antibiotic ceftriaxone so far in 2025 than the whole of last year. Overall, there was a 16% drop in gonorrhoea cases in 2024 in England, with 71,802 diagnoses, compared with 85,370 in 2023. However, ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea cases are being detected more frequently - with 14 in the first five months of 2025 compared with 13 in the whole of the previous year. Six of the 14 cases this year have been "extensively drug-resistant", which means that they were resistant to ceftriaxone and then to second-line treatment options, according to the UKHSA. What is gonorrhoea? According to the NHS, Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is often symptomless, but symptoms can include unusual discharge from the genitals, pain during urination or sex, a sore throat, or redness in the eyes. Untreated gonorrhoea can cause serious complications which can lead to infertility in both men and women. If you think you might have gonorrhoea you can get tested for free through the NHS, either with a self-test kit or by going to a sexual health clinic. Gonorrhoea is treated with a single dose of antibiotics, which can be an injection or tablets. You would need to go back to your GP or clinic about a week later to check you no longer have gonorrhoea. Ceftriaxone is a strong antibiotic and the main treatment for gonorrhoea. Experts are therefore concerned when infections fail to respond to it. Most of these drug-resistant cases are linked with travel to or from the Asia-Pacific region, where the prevalence of ceftriaxone resistance is high. Elsewhere, among people in England, early-stage syphilis diagnoses rose 1.7%, from 9,375 in 2023 to 9,535 in 2024. The overall figure for syphilis, including late-stage syphilis or complications from the infection, increased 5% from 12,456 in 2023 to 13,030 in 2024. Chlamydia fell 13%, from 194,143 diagnoses in 2023 to 168,889 in 2024, while people diagnosed for the first time with genital warts also dropped. Among women aged 15 to 24 who are recommended to be screened through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP), there was a 10.7% decrease in the number of chlamydia tests carried out, from 673,102 to 601,295. Dr Hamish Mohammed, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "Levels of STIs in this country remain a big threat to sexual wellbeing. "These infections can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners - particularly if they are antibiotic resistant. "If you've had condomless sex with new or casual partners - either in the UK or overseas - get tested for STIs and HIV at least yearly, even if you don't have symptoms. Regular testing protects both you and those you're having sex with. "From August, eligible people will also be offered vaccination to reduce the risk of gonorrhoea and we expect to see the immunisation programme have an impact on diagnoses of this infection in coming years - please take up the vaccine if you are offered it."
