Nowsis × University of Melbourne: Expanding Access to HPV Testing for Underscreened Women
Collaboration Announcement
Partnering to reach underscreened women for HPV testing
Nowsis, Clinic 66, and the University of Melbourne are working together to make cervical screening easier, fairer, and closer to home. Through a model that combines self-collection, telehealth support, and integration with GP networks, this collaboration aims to increase participation in HPV testing among women and people with a cervix who are currently underscreened.
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What This Collaboration Is About
Many women and people with a cervix are not up to date with cervical screening, often due to barriers such as limited appointment availability, distance, cultural safety concerns, past trauma, or competing life priorities.
Together, Nowsis and the University of Melbourne are developing and testing strategies to overcome these barriers through clinician-supported self-collection for HPV testing, backed by accessible telehealth guidance, clear patient information, and streamlined follow-up care.
Our shared goal is simple: to ensure more people screen on time, so fewer develop cervical cancer.
Why It Matters
Underscreened groups face a higher risk of cervical cancer. By offering private, convenient, and culturally appropriate options, this partnership is designed to increase participation and ensure timely follow-up when required.
Key focus areas include:
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Providing safe, clinician-supported self-collection pathways
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Embedding telehealth support for education and navigation
Linking results seamlessly to GPs for follow-up and continuity of care.
> How It Works
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Register:
Women and people with a cervix who are overdue or have never screened can register their interest. The project team checks eligibility and preferences. Clients can do this as a stand alone service ( privately billed) or through our Telehealth Abortion service (bulk billed).
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Self-collect with support:
Participants can collect their own sample in a private setting, guided by clear instructions and supported by telehealth clinicians.
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Results and follow-up:
Results are sent to a nominated clinician. If follow-up is required, the team helps coordinate appointments through GP partners, colposcopy services, or telehealth.
This collaboration aligns with Australia’s National Cervical Screening Program and current guidelines on HPV testing and self-collection.
> Who we aim to reach
Our outreach focuses on people who are underscreened or never-screened, as an opportunistic addon for patient who are seeking medical abortion.
> What Participants Can Expect
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Clear, respectful information about HPV testing and results
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Choice of where and how to collect a sample
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Access to clinician support via telehealth or in-person
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Connected follow-up care if results require further checks
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Privacy and cultural safety at every step
> Research and Evaluation
The University of Melbourne brings research expertise to evaluate uptake, equity, safety, and participant experience. Together, we aim to understand how different outreach and service models work across diverse communities.
Data will be collected and managed under appropriate ethics approvals and privacy requirements. Findings will be used to improve service delivery and inform national policy on cervical screening.
Key evaluation measures:
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Participation rates among underscreened groups
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Time from test to results and follow-up
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Patient and clinician experience
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Clinical outcomes and safety
> Take Part or Refer
If you’re overdue for screening—or support someone who is—please get in touch.
Email hello@nowsis.org to register your interest.
Clinicians and health services are also invited to collaborate.
We provide:
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Referral and results pathways via GP networks
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Telehealth support and patient education materials
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Training and onboarding for self-collection
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Opportunities to participate in research and knowledge sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HPV and why is testing important?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus. Some types can cause cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer if not detected early. Regular screening helps identify risk before cancer develops.
Is it safe and accurate?
Yes. Self-collected HPV testing is approved within Australia’s screening program. Clinician support ensures safety and accuracy.
What about costs of ongoing care?
Costs may vary by location and individual circumstances. We’ll discuss this when you register and help identify available supports. There are well defined pathways across Australia for management of abnormal cervical screening tests, free at the point of delivery, via the public health system.
What happens if my result is positive?
Most people with a positive HPV result do not have cervical cancer. A clinician will explain next steps, which may include additional testing or colposcopy locally.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility follows national cervical screening guidelines, including age and screening history. We confirm details during registration. Even people without Medicare can access this service, provided they have used our service for medical termination of pregnancy via Telehealth.
What is self-collection?
Self-collection allows a person to use a simple swab to collect their own sample for HPV testing. It’s private, comfortable, and supported by a clinician.
Contact Us
Nowsis
In collaboration with Clinic 66 and the University of Melbourne.
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Information on this page is general and does not replace advice from your healthcare provider.