Women helping women is the message behind a world-first trial aimed at shaping the future of cervical cancer screening.
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Now in its second phase, the Compass trial is the largest clinical trial ever conducted in Australia, with Northern Tasmanian women now able to contribute.
The trial aims to find the most effective strategies for optimising cervical screening in women who have been offered a HPV vaccination.
In an effort to recruit an additional 7000 women aged aged 25-38 years before November 30, the trial has come to Tasmania with Family Planning Launceston, Summerdale Medical Centre and the Esk Family Health Care Centre all participating.
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Summerdale general practitioner Natasha Vavrek said results from the trial could influence the outcomes of women all over the world.
"It's a wonderful thing to be a part of," she said.
"For it to come to Tasmania and for us to be able to have our name to something that will influence women globally.
"It's also a wonderful opportunity for women to help other women."
Cervical cancer death rates in Australia have halved since the National Cervical Screening Program began in 1991.
In 2016, there were 259 cervical cancer deaths in Australia.
Thousands of women across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales have already taken part in the trial, with results from its first phase supporting major changes to the National Cervical Screening Program in 2017.
After hearing about the trial through a regular appointment, Prospect's Larrisa Brickhill said she couldn't think of any reason not to participate.
"I witnessed a family lose a daughter in her 20s to cervical cancer," she said.
"So if there is anything we can do, not necessarily to find a cure, but to prevent cervical cancer - I'll be a part of that."
For more information visit compasstrial.org.au or call the Compass hotline on 1800 611 635.
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