An evaluation of a campaign to increase cervical cancer screening in rural Victoria

This paper reports on the second of four regionally-based campaigns co-ordinated in rural Victoria by the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria. The campaign encompassed community-based activities, general practitioner involvement and screening clinics. The impact of the campaign on Pap test rates and on the profile of women whose tests were reported by the Victorian Cytology Gynaecological Service is examined. We conclude that the campaign was successful in achieving its primary objective of attracting older and relatively underscreened women into having a Pap test. The special screening clinics were considered particularly effective in reaching women in the target audience. As a result of this campaign, new initiatives, were incorporated into subsequent programs.