It’s your Cervical
Screening Test
Why screen?
The Cervical Screening Test can prevent cervical cancer by screening for human papillomavirus (HPV) – a very common infection and the cause of almost all cervical cancers.
Over 70% of cervical cancers occur in people who have never screened or aren’t up to date with their screening.
If you are a woman or person with a cervix, aged 25-74, and have ever had sexual contact, you should have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is the growth of cancerous cells in the lining of the cervix – the spot between the vagina and the uterus (womb). This abnormal growth is usually caused by a HPV infection that stays in the body for a long time. However, not all types of HPV cause cancer.
The HPV vaccine does not protect against every type of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. This is why it’s important to have regular Cervical Screening Tests, even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine.
Changes that cause cancer can happen slowly, sometimes over 10-15 years. HPV can also lie dormant and then reactive later in life.
Because cervical cancer usually shows no symptoms in its early stages, it’s important to do routine cervical screening. Early detection can mean preventing cervical cancer or better treatment outcomes.
Where to screen?
You can book a Cervical Screening Test at various places such as:
-
- Your local GP clinic
- A community health centre
- A women’s health centre
- A family planning clinic
- A sexual health clinic
-
- An Aboriginal Medical Service or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service
- A Refugee Health Service
You can also do cervical screening with a gynaecologist or a nurse trained in cervical screening.
THE CERVICAL SCREENING TEST PROCESS
Taking part in cervical screening is simple.
When you have a Cervical Screening Test, you have the option to:
- Do your own test using a self-swab to collect a sample for testing from your vagina.
- Have a healthcare provider (a doctor or a nurse) do your test using a speculum to access your cervix and take a sample for testing.
When booking your appointment, make sure you tell them if you would like to do the test yourself (they may have to order some swabs).
You can also ask to see a healthcare provider you feel comfortable speaking about screening with.
1. Appointment
At your appointment, you will be in a private space with your healthcare provider. You can ask questions and talk to your healthcare provider about your testing options.
If you are eligible and choose to do the self-swab, your healthcare provider will give you the swab and instructions on how to do the test yourself.
In some cases, if you have symptoms such as unusual bleeding from your vagina – it’s better if your healthcare provider does the test using a speculum.
2. The test
The Cervical Screening Test collects a sample of cells to be tested for HPV. Both methods of collection (self-swab and healthcare provider-collected) are equally as accurate at detecting HPV.
Regardless of the method you choose, your healthcare provider will send your test sample to a pathology lab and get your results.
3. Test result
Your doctor will inform you of any findings and recommend if you need further tests or treatment.
If your results show HPV was found:
If you did a self-swab test – depending on the type of HPV found, you may be required to return to your healthcare provider for further testing. You may need a healthcare provider-collected test using a speculum or be referred to a see specialist for further investigation.
If you had a healthcare provider do your test – your test will automatically be further examined by the lab for any further changes. You may need to come back for another test in a year or be referred to see a specialist for further investigation.
If your result was ‘unsatisfactory’, it does not mean there is a problem. It means the lab was unable to check your test adequately. You will be asked to return for another Cervical Screening Test – this can be either self-swab or healthcare provider-collected.
If your result show no HPV was found, you will return in 5 years for your next Cervical Screening Test. You should continue preventative cervical screening until age 70-74.
The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) will send you a reminder to screen at 4 years and 9 months after your last screen. The reminder may be via letter or SMS text message.
You can check when you’re due by talking to your healthcare provider or using the NCSR’s Participant Portal
(via my.gov.au). You can also call the NCSR on 1800 627 701.
If you have any symptoms between your cervical screenings, such as bleeding after sex, unexplained bleeding between periods or any bleeding after menopause, speak with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
How to do a self‑swab
Cervical Screening Test
The self-swab method gives you more control over your Cervical Screening Test.
1
Preparing the swab
Your healthcare provider will explain how to do your own test.
You’ll be given a swab and somewhere private to perform your collection, for example behind a medical screen/curtain, in an empty room, or in a bathroom.
2
Inserting the swab & doing the test
The self-swab test uses a soft swab with a cotton bud at the end
You insert the cotton bud end of the swab 4-5cm centimetres into your vagina, up to the red line indicated, and rotate the swab in your vagina for 20-30 seconds.
Remember you can be gentle with your movements and it won’t impact your results.
If you feel pain, please notify your healthcare provider immediately.
3
Storing & sending the test
When finished, put the swab back in its tube and give it to your healthcare provider. They will send it to the pathology lab for testing.
(credit:www.health.gov.au/ncsp)
Healthcare provider-collected
Cervical Screening Test
1
Preparation
For this process, you will need to remove your clothing below the waist.
Lie on your back with your knees apart. A sheet will be provided for your privacy. If you are not provided a sheet, you can ask for one.
If you prefer, you can ask for a woman or a healthcare provider you feel comfortable with to do your test.
2
Inserting the device to access your cervix
Your healthcare provider will insert a speculum to access your cervix. It may be uncomfortable but if it hurts too much, tell your healthcare provider immediately.
You can also ask to insert the speculum yourself, if that is more comfortable for you.
3
Taking the sample
Your healthcare provider will use a small brush to take a sample of cells from your cervix. The test sample will be sent to the lab for analysis.
(credit: www.health.gov.au/ncsp)
Cervical Screening Test
vs. the Pap smear?
In 2017, the Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap test (aka the Pap smear) in Australia.
- The Pap smear detected abnormal or cancerous changes in the cervix.
- The Cervical Screening Test identifies the presence of HPV – a common virus and the cause of almost all cervical cancers.
By detecting HPV early, the Cervical Screening Test allows for monitoring or treatment to prevent cervical cancer from developing altogether.
Have a cervical screening test every 5 years from 25-74
Having a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years from the age of 25 is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
Testing is recommended to start at age 25 because cervical cancer is rare in people under 25 years old.
Most people won’t even know they have HPV and show no symptoms. Most of the time, the body will naturally clear the HPV infection on its own.
In some cases HPV can stay in the body for a long time. HPV can also remain dormant in your system and reactivate later in life.
It is recommended you keep up your routine cervical screening until you’re 70-74 to make sure any HPV is found before it has the chance to progress to cancer.
How do I know when I’m due for my next test?
The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) sends an invitation to start screening when you turn 25 and sends reminders when your next test is due.
You can check when you’re next due and make sure your contact details are up to date by using the NCSR’s Participant Portal (via my.gov.au) or calling 1800 627 701.
Who needs to screen?
IF YOU ARE A WOMAN OR A PERSON WITH A CERVIX, YOU’RE AT RISK OF CERVICAL CANCER
If you’re a woman or person with a cervix and you’ve ever had sexual contact, you need to start routine cervical screening from the age of 25.
This is regardless of your HPV vaccination status, number of sexual partners, gender of sexual partners, or whether you’re currently sexually active.
IF I DON’T HAVE A CERVIX,
SHOULD I STILL DO CERVICAL SCREENING?
If you’ve had a full hysterectomy (meaning you used to have a cervix and don’t anymore), talk to your doctor about whether you need to continue to do cervical screening.
If you’ve had a partial hysterectomy, you may need to continue cervical screening.
Regardless of the type of hysterectomy you’ve had, please see your doctor to discuss if you need to continue cervical screening.
Tips to make screening easier for you
Regular cervical screening is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer. You only have to screen once every 5 years.
For some, cervical screening can be challenging, uncomfortable, or even seem impossible. Here are some tips to help you navigate the test more comfortably:
ASK FOR ASSISTANCE WTH SELF-SWAB
If you are unsure about doing your own swab test, you can ask your healthcare provider for help.
Your healthcare provider can be in the room with you and verbally guide you step by step through the process as do your own test. You can do this in their view or ask for privacy.
The healthcare provider can also use the self-swab to take a sample from your vagina, the same way you would do it yourself (without a speculum). Discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
FIND A DOCTOR OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER YOU TRUST
Finding a healthcare provider you trust can be tricky. You can ask your family, friends or community for recommendations to find a healthcare provider that meets your needs.
If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can find health services that offer cervical screening at www.healthdirect.gov.au.
TAKE A SUPPORT PERSON WITH YOU
You can bring a friend, loved one, or family member with you for support. They can provide you with emotional support, help distract you, or just offer a hand to hold.
Ensure your support person understands the support you might need.
For example, your support person can speak up by saying “My friend finds it difficult to do these tests. Could you please explain the details of this process thoroughly?”
YOU’RE IN CONTROL
Think about what might make this experience more comfortable for you.
You can discuss your preferences with your support network and practice how you want to communicate your needs to your healthcare provider.
Remember, this is your body and you’re in control of your test. You have the right to ask for what you need to make the test more comfortable for you.
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
You may find it helpful if your healthcare provider explains every step in detail or you might like to use a visual aid (such as an instruction guide)
Some people prefer small talk, while others prefer silence.
You might want a few minutes alone after the test.
You have the right to ask for what makes you the most comfortable.
COMFORT DURING YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER SCREENING
If you are having a healthcare-provider collected test and lying flat on your back feels vulnerable, you can ask to sit up slightly.
If you’re doing your own test, you can ask to do it in a private space that feels comfortable for you.
You can sit, stand or lie down – as long as you are able to insert the swab into your vagina at least 4-5 cm.
TAKE IT SLOW
If you’re doing your own test, you can take your time.
You just need to make sure you have the swab inserted into your vagina, rotate it for 20-30 seconds to get a good test sample, and return the tube with the swab to your healthcare provider before you leave so they can send your test to the lab.
Remember, it’s 1 simple test for 5 years peace of mind.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
WHAT IF I HAVE CERVICAL CANCER SYMPTOMS?
The Cervical Screening Test is a preventative test for people who don’t have any symptoms.
If you have symptoms see a healthcare provider right away. Symptoms may include:
- bleeding from the vagina after sex
- unexplained bleeding between your periods
- any bleeding from the vagina after menopause
- unusual discharge from your vagina
IS THE SELF-SWAB TEST LESS EFFECTIVE OR ACCURATE?
A self-swab test is just as accurate and effective at detecting HPV as a healthcare provider-collected sample.
The only difference between the self-swab and the healthcare provider-collected test is that the self-swab test sample is only checked for HPV. If HPV is found, you will need to return for a healthcare provider-collected test to investigate further.
The healthcare provider-collected test looks for HPV and, if HPV is found, the same test sample can be used to further investigate whether there are any abnormalities.
HOW DO I KNOW I AM SWABBING THE RIGHT SPOT?
With the self-swab option, you do not need to reach your cervix. The self-swab test looks for HPV, which can be detected from the vagina. The swab only needs to be inserted 4-5cm into your vagina, and it usually has an indicator on it.
Your healthcare provider can offer guidance to ensure the test is conducted correctly and provide any help if you need it.
WILL SELF SWAB KITS BE SENT TO EVERYONE BY MAIL?
No, the National Cervical Screening Program is not currently running a home mail-out program.
You still need to consult with a healthcare provider to get a self-swab test and do it at the clinic.
Your healthcare provider can give you the support you need to make sure the test is performed correctly and assist you with your results and any follow up needed.
WHAT IS HPV?
HPV is an incredibly common virus and over 80% of people will have it at least once in their lives.
HPV can be passed through various types of skin-to-skin sexual contact.
HPV can stay inactive in your body for a long time, possibly without any symptoms. This makes it difficult to know when or how the virus was contracted.
IF I HAVE HPV, WILL I GET CANCER?
In most cases, no. Most people’s immune systems fight off the virus within about 1–2 years, without any impact on their health and often with no symptoms.
For some people, HPV can stay in the body for a long time, or even lie dormant and reactivate later in life. If the virus stays active in the body for a long time, it could lead to cell changes and may progress to cervical cancer.
While cervical cancer usually takes time to develop, sometimes decades, in some cases it can progress faster. This is why routine screening is so important, to detect HPV and treat any abnormalities before it has the chance develop into cancer.
WHAT HAPPENS IF HPV IS FOUND ON MY TEST?
If your test results show HPV, your healthcare provider will give you guidance on next steps.
If you did your own test, you may need to come back for a healthcare provider-collected test. The healthcare provider-collected test can take a sample from your cervix to detect any further abnormalities caused by the HPV.
The results of these tests will determine if further examinations or treatments are necessary to prevent cervical cancer.
You might need to return in a year for a follow-up Cervical Screening Test to see if the HPV infection has cleared. You might also require a colposcopy, a special exam of your cervix which may include a biopsy.
To learn more about what happens after your test and what different results can mean visit Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
IF I HAVE HPV, HOW DO I PROTECT MY PARTNERS?
Because HPV can be spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact, please note that not all methods of standard protection are completely effective.
Condoms offer limited protection against HPV as they do not cover all genital skin. However, they do provide excellent protection against infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV.
Regular screening is the best way to protect your health.
IS THERE A CURE FOR HPV?
No. There is currently no cure for HPV. However, there is treatment available for the pre-cancerous cell changes caused by HPV.
The HPV vaccine does not protect against every type of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. This is why it’s important to have regular Cervical Screening Tests, even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine.
If you do get HPV, the virus usually clears up on its own after 1-2 years but screening is the only way to be sure of this.
WHAT ABOUT CERVICAL CANCERS THAT AREN’T CAUSED BY HPV?
Most cervical cancers are linked to or start from HPV.
Cervical cancers not caused by HPV are very rare, but they do exist. This is why it is important to tell your healthcare provider straight away if you notice symptoms such bleeding after sex, unexplained bleeding between periods, any bleeding after menopause or any unusual vaginal discharge.
If you do not have symptoms, doing a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years is the best way to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.
ARE THERE COSTS FOR THE CERVICAL SCREENING TEST?
If you have a Medicare card and you are due to screen, Medicare offer a full rebate for lab processing of your Cervical Screening Test.
However, the cost of your appointment depends on whether your healthcare provider bulk bills or charges consultation fees and whether they use a pathology lab that bulk-bills Cervical Screening Tests through Medicare.
You can ask if there are any extra costs (like consultation fees) when making your appointment.
For example, you can ask:
- “Am I due for my cervical screening test?”
- “Do you bulk bill cervical screening consultations?”
- “Can you send my pathology requests to a lab that doesn’t charge gap fees?”
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A MEDICARE CARD?
If you do not have a Medicare card, you may receive an invoice for the test and/or pathology assessment. Discuss costs with the healthcare provider when booking your test.
International students with overseas student health cover (OSHC) will have their pathology costs covered. You may need to initially pay for the tests and then seek reimbursement from your insurance provider.
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in need of free services, please refer to Services Australia and the Refugee Health Network of Australia.
I LIVE WITH A DISABILITY, CAN I STILL SCREEN?
Yes. If you have a disability and a cervix, and have ever had sexual contact, then you need to have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years from age 25 to 74.
You can bring a friend, family member, caregiver, or support person to your appointment. You can also book a longer appointment so you don’t feel rushed.
Be sure to inform staff about any specific needs you may have. You can also ask for assistance to complete the self-swab option, if preferred.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU TURN 70?
Individuals aged 70 to 74 are encouraged to do a final Cervical Screening Test to check cervical health and the absence of HPV.
After this, there is no need to do any more Cervical Screening Tests.
CAN I DO A CERVICAL SCREENING TEST WHEN I’M ON MY PERIOD?
Yes, you can have a Cervical Screening Test at any point in your menstrual cycle. However, very heavy bleeding can interfere with the test results.
Many women and people with a cervix find it more comfortable to schedule their test when they are not menstruating, but it is not required.
I’M PREGNANT, CAN I STILL SCREEN?
Yes, cervical screening is safe if you are pregnant and you can proceed with your scheduled Cervical Screening Test.
Discuss the best time to have your Cervical Screening Test with your healthcare provider and which screening option is best for you.
DO I STILL NEED TO DO CERVICAL SCREENING IF I’VE BEEN THROUGH MENOPAUSE?
Yes. It’s important to continue regular cervical screening until you have your last test when you’re 70-74 years old.
For some post-menopausal people, hormonal changes in the vagina can make obtaining a quality sample from the cervix challenging and uncomfortable.
Your healthcare provider can prescribe a topical oestrogen before your healthcare provider-collected test to improve comfort. This treatment is temporary and typically has minimal side effects.
Otherwise, you can choose to do your own test with a simple swab at the clinic.
I LIVE IN REGIONAL/REMOTE AUSTRALIA, HOW CAN I HAVE A CERVICAL SCREENING TEST?
Living in regional or remote areas may mean cervical screening is harder due to greater challenges in accessing healthcare and information.
It is important to prioritise screening. Please research options for cervical screening in your local area. These could include mobile or outreach services.
You can also visit Women’s Health Nurses, who play a pivotal role in cervical screening in remote areas.
For more information on locations, hours, and contact details, visit your Local Health District website, Medical Centres, or the Australian Women’s Health Nurse Association.
I HAVE HEARING DIFFICULTIES AND/OR A SPEECH IMPAIRMENT
If you have a hearing or speech impediment, contact the National Relay Service to assist with your cervical screening appointment.
I NEED AN INTERPRETER FOR MY CERVICAL SCREENING APPOINTMENT
You can request an on-site or telephone interpreter service to assist you during your appointment.
Make sure you tell your healthcare provider you need an interpreter when you book and ask them to organise one for you.
Check with your doctor or healthcare provider that there are no costs associated with this interpreter service.
Visit the Translating and Interpreting Services or call 13 14 50 for telephone interpreter service.
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