Cervical screening
Cervical screening
Cervical screening saves lives
Having regular cervical screening tests can prevent around 90% of cervical cancers through early detection and treatment.
Most people who develop cervical cancer in Australia are either overdue for screening or have never been screened.
Cervical cancer
often has no symptoms, especially in the early stages when cervical cell changes take place.
The Cervical Screening Test checks for the presence of the
human papilloma virus (HPV)
– a virus that can cause cervical cancer.
Who is eligible for cervical screening?
Screening is available for eligible people through the
National Cervical Screening
Program
External Link
.
A Cervical Screening Test is available to:
Women and people with a cervix (25 to 74 years) who have ever been sexually active.
If you have had a hysterectomy, you should discuss whether you need a Cervical Screening Test with your healthcare provider.
Cervical screening is recommended (every 5 years) even if you feel healthy, or have had
the HPV vaccine
.
Cervical screening is free under
Medicare
External Link
for eligible people. However, your GP or healthcare provider may charge a standard consultation fee for the appointment.
If you are unsure or would like to know more about fees, check with your clinic when booking the appointment.
If you are over 75, you can still ask to have a subsidised cervical screening test – talk to your GP or healthcare provider.
Even if you don’t fall into the categories above, if you experience any symptoms including abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during sex or unusual vaginal discharge, see your GP or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
How do I know when I need to have my cervical screening test?
Eligible people usually get a letter from the GP and/or the National Cancer Screening Register inviting them to take a Cervical Screening Test. If this does not happen or you are unsure whether you need to be tested:
Contact your GP or health service, OR
You can use the National Cancer Screening Register to:
review and update your personal information
check your screening test history and when your next screening is due
manage your participation.
For more information, visit the
National Cancer Screening Register
website
External Link
or Tel.
1800 627 701
.
If you don’t have a preferred GP or health service, search the
National Health Services
Directory
External Link
to find a clinic in your local area.
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: Healthcare provider collected 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.
Image courtesy of Cancer Council
How to organise your cervical screening test
Cervical Screening Tests are available from:
your GP (doctor)
community health centre
women’s health centre
family planning clinics
Aboriginal medical service or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service
Sexual Health Victoria
(SHV)
External Link
– service is youth friendly. To book an appointment call:
SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic Tel.
(03) 9660 4700
SHV Box Hill Clinic Tel.
(03) 9257 0100
or free call
1800 013 952
.
If you prefer, you can also ask for a female healthcare provider to do your test or support you if you choose self-collection.
Getting your cervical screening test results
When your results are ready, they will be sent to the:
clinic where you had your test (or to a clinic that you nominate)
National Cancer Screening
Register
External Link
.
What does my result mean?
Your healthcare provider will talk to you about your Cervical Screening Test results. Based on your results, your healthcare provider may recommend that you:
return to screen in 5 years
return for another sample collected by your healthcare provider
repeat the test in 12 months
repeat the Cervical Screening Test due to unsatisfactory test result
are referred to a specialist.
Return to screen in 5 years
This means that your screening results show you do not have an HPV infection. Your next screening will be in 5 years. The National Cancer Screening Register will send you a reminder. You can update your address directly through the
National
Register
External Link
Tel.
1800 627 701
.
Return for another sample collected by your healthcare provider
This means that you have provided a self-collect sample and your screening results show you have an HPV infection. When there is an HPV infection, it is important to check if the infection has caused changes to the cervical cells.
As a self-collect sample does not have cervical cells to check for cell changes, you are asked to return to your healthcare provider who will collect a sample that will include cervical cells.
Repeat the test in 12 months
This means that your screening results show you have an HPV infection that is likely to be cleared by your body within the next 12 months. You are asked to have a repeat test in 12 months to check that the infection has gone, and you are safe to return to screening every 5 years.
If the repeat test in 12 months shows the HPV infection has not gone, you may be asked to return for a second repeat test in another 12 months, or you may need referral to a specialist.
Repeat the Cervical Screening Test due to unsatisfactory test result
An unsatisfactory test result happens when your sample cannot be checked properly by the laboratory. An unsatisfactory test result does not mean there is something wrong. If you have an unsatisfactory test result it is important to repeat the test in 6 to 12 weeks.
Referral to a specialist
This means that your screening results show you have a type of HPV infection that needs further investigation by a specialist. This does not mean you have developed cancer. You will be referred to a specialist for a follow-up test, known as a colposcopy. Please make sure you follow the instructions from your healthcare provider if you are referred to a specialist.
Remember, always see your GP or healthcare provider earlier if you notice any unusual changes or have any concerns.
Where to get help
Your
GP (doctor)
Sexual Health Victoria
(SHV)
External Link
. To book an appointment call:
SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic Tel.
(03) 9660 4700
SHV Box Hill Clinic Tel.
(03) 9257 0100
or free call
1800 013 952
.
National Cervical Screening
Program
External Link
National Cancer Screening
Register
External Link
Tel.
1800 627 701
Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical
Cancer
External Link
Tel.
03 9250 0300
Cancer Council
Victoria
External Link
Tel.
13 11 20
Support in your own
language
External Link
Tel.
13 14 50
Use the
National Health Services
Directory
External Link
to find a health service near you