Cervical cancer screening saves lives. Screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer, or detect it earlier.
Regular cervical screening helps detect HPV (human papillomavirus) – the leading cause of cervical cancer. It’s a simple test that can be conducted by a doctor or registered nurse.
All women/people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 must get a cervical screening (CST) every 5 years.
How is a cervical screening different to a pap-smear?
The cervical screening test is an improved version of the pap-test. Introduced in 2017, it took into account the introduction of the HPV Vaccine againsst specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer.
The new cervical screening test now looks for HPV, not just abnormal cells (like the Pap test did).
A better test means you will only need to screen every five years after your first HPV cervical screening test
Self-collection
All Australian women and people with a cervix can choose to collect a sample themselves under the supervision of a healthcare professional who also offers cervical screening. Self-collection is when a woman or person with a cervix takes their own sample for cervical screening. It is taken with a cotton swab. You will be given instructions on how to collect the sample and offered a private place to collect the sample. The test is just as effective at detecting HPV and preventing cervical cancer.
Self-collection is not suitable if you are experiencing symptoms such as unusual bleeding, discharge or pain.
What are the costs involved?
The cervical screening test itself is free (covered by medicare). However, you may be expected to pay a fee for the consultation with your GP.
