It is the second-most common cancer to strike women.

The idea is early detection and prevention – and the screening is a vital component.

There is a national screening program.

The Cancer Institute NSW says a proposed change to the screening program may cause the low participation rate.

The change proposed by a government committee says women would only need to be screened every five years. 

Any changes would only take effect in 2016.

But, Family Planning NSW said pap smears should be undertaken every two years and health experts needed to ensure women were aware they needed the have the checks regularly, whether they have had vaccinations or not.

If confusion over tests and lack of knowledge are issues, the government and health authorities need to run or fund targeted awareness campaigns.

And if Family Planning is right about two-yearly checks, then government should dispel the five year idea and reduce confusion.

The government should get together with health experts and use medically correct information to advise the public.

o o o

The federal government’s drought round-table did not exactly excite struggling farmers. 

There have been no announcements of help. 

Farmers keep saying government does too little, too late. Perhaps Canberra will do something. 

But when?