AMAQ fears over retail pharmacy’s cancer screening pilot program

Plans to roll out cervical cancer screening at Priceline pharmacies has been slammed by Queensland’s peak medical body.

The service is offered by Priceline pharmacies. (File picture)

Plans to roll out cervical cancer screening at retail pharmacy stores have been slammed by the state’s peak medical body, with fears the program could put women at risk.

Priceline has announced the pilot program will allow women to self-test for the human papillomavirus – an infection that causes almost all cervical cancers – and have results analysed.

Since July 2022, women aged 25 to 74 have the option to collect their own sample.

A spokesman from Priceline, owned by Wesfarmers, was unable to indicate which stores will take part or give any details. It is believed it will begin this month.

The chain has 400 stores throughout the country

It has been reported that the pilot will operate in partnership with the InstantScripts telehealth service, also owned by Wesfarmers.

The Pharmacy Guild would not comment on the pilot program.

Australian Medical Association Queensland president Nick Yim told The Courier-Mail the lack of detail about the service was concerning.

More than 7 per cent of women tested require follow-up care.

Close to 800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Australia each year and 70 per cent of these cases occur in women who have never been tested or are not up-to-date with their screening.

AMAQ president Dr Nick Yim

“We don’t know who will be interpreting the results, how they will be communicated to women and what referral pathways are in place,” Dr Yim said.

“We must ensure that there are adequate follow-up protocols and governance strategies in place to ensure that results are appropriately followed up.”

Australia has a national strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035. It would be the first country in the world to wipe out the potential killer.

Renowned Queensland professor Ian Frazer was the co-creator of the cervical cancer vaccine that is saving lives worldwide.

But the AMAQ chief said he believed women deserved confidential and private care in appropriate healthcare settings for screening.

“We know not all women are eligible for self-testing services and can’t see how the pharmacy trial ensures pharmacists can determine eligibility,” Dr Yim said.

“Cervical screening also provides GPs an opportunity to screen holistically for other health conditions and domestic and family violence.

“While it is important we look at ways to increase the rates of cervical screening, it’s also essential that women are having conversations about sexual … health with their GP.

“We know that pharmacists and doctors work best when they work collaboratively.”