Cervical screening

Cervical screening reduces the number of women who develop and die from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

A cervical screening test (CST) checks if a woman’s cervix is healthy or if there are any changes that might increase her risk of cancer.

It detects:

• human papillomavirus (HPV)
• early changes in the cervix before cervical cancer develops
• if cervical cancer is present.

It does not check for other problems such as ovarian cancer or sexually transmitted infections.

Who needs it

You are eligible to have your first CST when you turn 25 or 2 years after your last Pap test. Cervical screening occurs every 5 years after that.

You should get it if you're:

• a woman or person with a cervix
• aged between 25 and 74 years and
• sexually active or have ever been.

If you have received the HPV vaccine, you still need a test.

If you have had a hysterectomy, ask your health practitioner for advice.

If you are concerned about any symptoms, contact your health care provider.

Women most at risk

Most cases of cervical cancer happen in women older than 40.

Most women who develop cervical cancer have never been screened or are very overdue for their next cervical test.

How often you need the test

You need to take the test every 5 years.

Where you can get the test

You can get a cervical screen in all of the following places:

• any general practitioner (GP) clinic
• community or women's health centre
• family planning clinic
• sexual health clinic
• Aboriginal Medical Service.

Screening Program website.

Cost

The test is available on the Medicare benefits schedule.

How the test works

A sample of cells from your cervix is collected and sent to a laboratory.

You can choose to:

• have your doctor or nurse collect your sample
• collect your own sample (self-collection).

Doctor or nurse collects your sample

Your doctor or nurse will collect your sample using a speculum. The speculum is inserted into your vagina to hold it open while the sample is collected using a swab.

It may feel strange but it shouldn't hurt. If it hurts, tell your doctor or nurse straight away.

Collect your own sample

You can collect your own cells from your vagina, in private, using a swab. This is called self-collection. Your healthcare provider will give you a swab and tell you what to do.

To find out more about self-collection, go to the Australian Government's Department of Health and Aged Care website.

What the test does

The test looks for HPV. This is a common infection that can cause cervical cell changes and may develop into cervical cancer.

The test is more effective than the Pap test in determining a woman’s risk of developing serious cervical changes within the next 5 to 10 years.

For more information, go to the Australian Government Department of Health National Cervical Screening Program website.

After the sample is taken

The test will check the sample for presence of HPV, and if it's found, the sample will be examined for abnormalities in the cells.

The combination of tests is a very accurate way of finding out a woman’s risk of developing serious cervical changes within the next 5 to 10 years.

Results

Most HPV infections clear up by themselves within 12 to 18 months.

For some women, HPV can stay around longer. The test aims to find these women so that they can have any further tests they may need.

Most CST results will show that women are at low risk of developing cervical changes within the next 5 years. These women will be advised that their next screening test will be due in 5 years’ time.

A few results will indicate that a woman is at higher risk. These women will be recommended to have further cervical examinations.

A small group of women may have a result indicating intermediate risk. These women will be advised to return for another HPV test in 12 months.

Cervical screening register

The results of the test, as well as details about your follow-up care and treatment, are recorded in a register. This register:

• allows letters to be sent out so you know when your next CST, treatment or follow-up care are due
• acts as a back-up reminder for health practitioners
• keeps a record of your cervical test history - especially helpful when changing doctors or moving interstate.

If you don't want to be on the register

If you don't want your details to be kept on the register, you need to tell the person taking your CST or any other cervical test. If you are getting further treatment, tell the doctor treating you.

You will need to do this every time any cervical test is done.

You can contact the register to have your information removed.

For more information talk to your doctor, nurse or health worker.

You can contact the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701.

More information

To find out more, go to the Australian Government Department of Health National Cervical