What the Cervical Screening Test is?
- The Cervical Screening Test is a simple process to look for signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV) – a common infection that causes most cervical cancers.
- Most cases of HPV clear up on their own, however, it can contribute to developing cervical cancer.
- Doing the Cervical Screening Test every five years means your healthcare provider can monitor or investigate HPV further if needed.
Who should have a Cervical Screening Test?
The Cervical Screening Test is recommended for women:
- age between 25 and 74.
- sexually active or ever have been.
It makes no difference if you:
- are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or straight.
- have had the HPV vaccination or not.
- are no longer sexually active.
- have been through menopause.
- have been with only one sexual partner.
- have experienced traditional cutting or circumcision.
- have had a baby.
- are pregnant (ensure to let your health care professional know).
Who can do a Cervical Screening Test?
A healthcare provider facilitates the Cervical Screening Test. Providers can include:
- a doctor or general practitioner
- a nurse trained in cervical screening
- a gynaecologist or other specialist
you can ask for a female health professional to do your test.
What are my choices for cervical screening?
From 1 July 2022, the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) has expanded screening test options, offering self-collection as a choice for all people participating in cervical screening.
This change means you have 2 options for your Cervical Screening Test and you can decide what’s right for you. All methods are just as safe and effective at detecting HPV.
Option 1: Self-collection
Your healthcare provider will give you a self-collection swab to collect a sample of cells from your vagina. Your healthcare provider will give you a private space for you to collect your own test sample. They can explain how to do the test and help you if you need it.
Option 2: The healthcare provider collects a sample
Your healthcare provider can do a Cervical Screening Test for you using a speculum and a small brush to take a sample of cells from your cervix. The speculum will be gently inserted into your vagina to hold it open so the cervix can be seen clearly. It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you experience any discomfort.
Whichever option you choose, the sample will be sent to the laboratory for testing and your healthcare provider will let you know how you will get your results.
The female reproductive system with the location of the vagina and cervix.
