Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Developing Australia's National Cervical Cancer Management Guidelines: a national collaborative approach to evidence-based and equitable care (146248)

Telma Costa 1 , Susan Yuill 1 , Dana Stefanovic 1 , Denise Campbell 1 , Louiza Valentzis 1 , Arina Ridha 1 , Deborah Bateson AM 2 , Megan Smith 1 , Paul Grogan 1 , Karen Canfell 1 , Joanna Mcglone 3 , Amanda McAtamney 3 , Jim Nicklin 4 5 , Yee Leung 6 7
  1. Cancer Elimination Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Cancer Elimination Collaboration, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  3. Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  5. University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  6. Women and Newborn Health Service, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
  7. University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia

Aim

Australia's first National Cervical Cancer Management Guidelines were commissioned by the Australian Government as an action under the National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer. The guidelines provide evidence-based clinical recommendations to support consistent, equitable management across the cervical cancer care continuum. We document the development process, key considerations and progress to date.

Methods

The guidelines development is funded by an Australian Government grant to Cancer Council Australia with technical work subcontracted to the Cancer Elimination Collaboration, University of Sydney. It is supported by a multidisciplinary Working Party and technical advisors from across Australia. Development is in two phases: Phase 1 addresses diagnosis, staging and management of early and locally advanced disease; Phase 2 focuses on recurrent and metastatic disease, survivorship and palliative care. Recommendations are based on systematic evidence review, adaptation of high-quality international guidelines and multidisciplinary consensus. The guidelines align with the National Cancer Control Plan and Optimal Care Pathway for Cervical Cancer, translating national standards into clinical recommendations without duplicating resources.

Results

While high-quality international guidelines are available, the development process reinforced the need for contextualisation to the Australian health system. The guidelines reflect Australian models of care, multidisciplinary practice, and the needs of diverse populations. Equity is embedded throughout, with explicit consideration of barriers affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, rural and remote communities, LGBTQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse populations and people with disability. Phase 1 underwent public consultation in April-May/2026, with feedback currently being incorporated. Phase 2 consultation is planned for October/2026, with publication of the complete guidelines anticipated by mid-2027.

Conclusions

National clinical practice guidelines are essential for translating evidence into consistent equitable care. Alignment between evidence-based recommendations and national quality indicators will be critical to monitor implementation and support Australia's progress towards equitable cervical cancer elimination.