WOMEN across Brimbank and Melton Shire are being urged to have regular pap tests after statistics revealed numbers were at dangerously low levels.

The two-yearly cervical screening rate in Brimbank is only 58.5 per cent and even lower in Melton Shire with only 56.8 percent. These figures are well below the Victorian average of 63.6 per cent.

Last week Health Minister Daniel Andrews launched PapScreen Victoria’s new campaign aimed at breaking down emotional barriers and normalising pap tests.

“Cervical cancer is one of the few cancer types largely preventable through regular screening and that is why we have delivered $485,000 to PapScreen Victoria to develop this new campaign to prevent cervical cancer and save lives,” Mr Andrews said. In Victoria, at least 85 per cent of women who develop cervical cancer have either never had a pap test, or have not followed the recommended two-yearly screening in the 10 years before diagnosis.

PapScreen Victoria Manager Lea Rawlings urged women to speak to their local GP about being tested.

“We know that women may not have Pap tests for a number of reasons, such as finding the test awkward or not being able to find somewhere to have the test. We also know that large numbers of women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds live in Melton and Brimbank, which may also have an impact,” Ms Rawlings said.

“Women moving into Australia from countries without a cervical screening program may not understand why Pap tests are necessary, and may face additional cultural barriers.”