In 2010-11 the screening rate for the Dubbo Local Government Area (LGA) was 53.9 per cent. This is almost two per cent lower than the state average.

The Cancer Institute NSW suggests a change to the national cervical cancer screening program may be the cause of the low participation rate.

Women would only need to be screened every five years under the suggested change from a government committee.

This suggestion is also exploring methods that would replace the pap smear, such as urine samples for women that have not yet undertaken the current test.

But the change will not occur until 2016 at the earliest.

Family Planning NSW clinical services and medical director Dr Deborah Bateson said pap smears should still be undertaken regularly.

"It's really important that we are very vigilant and ensure women are aware they need to go every two years," she said.

The Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) vaccinations may be a cause for lower screening numbers, Dr Bateson added.

"Research has found woman who are vaccinated may not go for pap smears," she said.

"But it is still very important to go for pap smears, as the vaccination does not cover all cancer types."

In Dubbo, the rate of cervical cancer is 5.9 per 100,000 people, as found by the Cancer Council NSW.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women globally.

A predicted 840 will lose their battle with cervical cancer in 2014.

Women aged 18 to 69 should be screened every two years or two years after they become sexually active- whichever comes first.

Cervical screening involves early detection and prevention and although it may seem unpleasant, Dr Bateson said the test is definitely not as bad as suggested.

"It's a simple thing, bring a friend, don't be scared for a pap smear, it can save your life," she said.