Prevention of cervical cancer.

Cervical screening in Australia is a successful public health initiative. Since the introduction of the National Cervical Screening Program in 1991, there has been a significant fall in incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer. Laboratory quality procedures are critical to ensuring optimal outcomes. Laboratory accreditation procedures are being reviewed in line with recent government recommendations. For a sustainable program, cost-containment issues need to be considered; screening interval, management of screen-detected abnormalities, and new technologies are the critical drivers of cost.