Screening for cervical cancer

The cervical screening test – which has replaced the Pap test – finds cancer-causing types of HPV in cell samples taken from the cervix.

The National Cervical Screening Program

The National Cervical Screening Program recommends that women and people with a cervix start cervical screening at age 25 and then have a test every 5 years until the age of 70–74. All women and people with a cervix need regular screening.

There are two ways to collect cells for a cervical screening test:

• health care provider collected – your doctor or nurse will collect a sample of cells from your cervix.
• self-collected – this method enables you to collect your own sample. A health care provider will give you a self-collection swab and explain how to collect your own cell sample. This method is only available to people who do not have any signs or symptoms of cancer. If HPV is detected in a self-collected sample, a follow-up test with your doctor may be required.

The test results are used to predict your level of risk for significant cervical changes. If the results show:

• higher risk – you will be referred for a colposcopy
• intermediate risk – you will be monitored with a follow-up cervical screening test in 12 months
• low risk (no HPV detected) – you will be due for your next cervical screening test in 5 years.

For more information, call Cancer Council 13 11 20 or visit cervicalscreening.org.au.

→ READ MORE: Cervical cancer diagnosis