Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Most cervical cancers occur in individuals who have never screened or do not screen regularly. Cervical screening every 5 years can help protect you against cervical cancer.

Talk to your GP to book a routine cervical screening test or explore your screening options, including self-collection. Learn more on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Why get a Cervical Screening Test?

• The test detects human papillomavirus (HPV) – a very common virus and the cause of almost all cervical cancer
• The test identifies early changes before cancer develops
• The test can be done every 5 years if HPV negative

If you’re not sure when to do a Cervical Screening Test, ask your doctor.

What is the Cervical Screening Test?

In 2017, the Pap test (also known as the Pap smear) was replaced by the more effective Cervical Screening Test. The Cervical Screening Test is done by collecting a sample of cells from your cervix or vagina to detect the presence of HPV – a common infection and the cause of almost all cervical cancers.

Detecting HPV early means it can be monitored or investigated further if needed, well before it has the chance to develop into cancer.

Who is eligible for a subsidised test?

You are eligible for a subsidised Cervical Screening Test if you:

• Are a woman or a person with a cervix
• Are aged 25 to 74
• Have ever had sexual contact (of any kind, with anyone)

Screening is for everyone

It doesn’t matter if you:

• Are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or straight
• Have or haven’t had the HPV vaccine
• Are no longer sexually active
• Have gone through menopause
• Have had one or multiple sexual partners
• Have experienced traditional cutting or circumcision
• Have had a baby or are pregnant (tell your doctor)

If you’ve had a full or partial hysterectomy, check with your doctor about your cervical screening needs.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to discuss their cervical screening options with their GP. A self-collection sample can be collected by your GP.

Your screening options

You have a choice on how your Cervical Screening Test is done. There are two options and you can pick which way is right for you:

• Self-collected sample – do your own test using a self-swab
• Clinician-collected sample – have your healthcare provider (doctor or nurse) do the test for you using a speculum

Both options are safe and accurate. If you are not sure which test to choose, you can ask your doctor.

Where can you do a Cervical Screening Test?

You can get a Cervical Screening Test at:

• Your doctor’s clinic
• A community health centre
• A women’s health centre
• A family planning clinic
• An Aboriginal Health service

Just call to book an appointment and let them know you’d like to have a Cervical Screening Test. If you think you would like to do the Cervical Screening Test self-collect option, mention this when you make the appointment.

If you don’t have a preferred healthcare provider, healthdirect.gov.au can help you find a healthcare provider to book your cervical screening with.