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Cervical screening test
6-minute read
Key facts
- Cervical screening tests help prevent cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix).
- The test looks for signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- You should have a cervical screening test every 5 years if you are aged 25 to 74 years, have a cervix and have ever been sexually active.
- You may be able to do a self-collection test, where you choose to take your own sample.
What is the cervical screening test?
The cervical screening test looks for signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can lead to cell changes in your cervix and causes almost all cervical cancers.
Cervical screening tests help protect people against cervical cancer. Testing is recommended once every 5 years.
Cervical screening doesn’t check for ovarian cancer or uterine cancer.
Watch this video to learn more about cervical screening test.
Video provided by Queensland Health.
Who should get a cervical screening test?
You should have the cervical screening test if you:
- have a cervix
- are aged 25 to 74 years old
- have ever been sexually active
You need to have regular cervical screening tests even if you:
- don’t have any symptoms — HPV does not usually cause any symptoms
- have been vaccinated against HPV — the vaccine does not protect against every kind of HPV
- identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or straight
- have a disability
If you’re 75 years or over, ask your doctor whether you need a cervical screening test.
Also speak with your doctor if you have:
- had a hysterectomy
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- pain during sex
- unusual vaginal discharge
Where can I get 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
- a sexual health clinic
- an Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service
Booking your appointment
When you book your appointment, tell them if you would prefer a female to do the test.
While there is a Medicare rebate for the cervical screening test, ask if there will be any extra costs.
You can ask:
- Do you bulk bill cervical screening appointments?
- Can you send my test to a pathology laboratory that bulk bills?
What happens during a cervical screening test?
If you’re unsure what to expect, ask the doctor or nurse. Before collecting the sample, the doctor needs to get your consent. That means you agree for them to do the procedure.
Usually, you will need to take off your clothes from the waist down. You will lie on your back with your knees bent. You will be given a sheet to cover yourself.
The doctor or nurse will put a speculum into your vagina so they can see your cervix. Then they will use a swab to take a sample of cells from your cervix.
This should not hurt. If you do feel any pain, let the doctor or nurse know straight away.
The sample is put into a tube and sent to a laboratory to be analysed.
Learn how to feel calmer when having a cervical screening test.
What is self-collection?
Self-collection is when you choose to take your own sample.
If you decide to do this, your doctor will tell you how to collect your sample.
Self-collection involves putting a swab into your vagina and rotating it for 10 to 30 seconds. The test should not hurt, but it may feel uncomfortable.
Self-testing is not advised if you have any:
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- pain
- unusual vaginal discharge
Speak to your doctor or nurse about which test is right for you.
More information on self-collection is available from the Department of Health and Aged Care.
When will I get my cervical screening test results?
You should get your results a few weeks after having your cervical screening test. Your results will be sent back to the place where you had the test. They will also be sent to the National Cancer Screening Register.
Negative test result
If you’re told to ‘return to screen in 5 years’, the test did not find any HPV.
You should get a reminder letter a few months before your next test is due.
Unsatisfactory test result
An unsatisfactory test result means that the laboratory could not read your sample. You should have another test in 6 to 12 weeks. It does not mean something is wrong.
Return to screen in 12 months
This means that you have an HPV infection and will need another cervical screening test in 12 months. In this time, your body will probably get rid of the HPV by itself.
If the second test is clear, you won’t need another test for 5 years. If the second test shows that you still have the HPV infection, you may need to see a gynaecologist.
Refer to a specialist
This means that your cervical screening test found either:
- a certain type of HPV
- abnormal cells that may need treatment
This result does not mean you have cervical cancer. Your doctor will refer you to a specialist for a test called a colposcopy.
Watch this video on Understanding your Cervical Screening Test result from the Cancer Council Victoria.
Resources and support
- For more information, visit the National Cervical Screening Program website or call 1800 627 701.
- Cancer Council Victoria has information on understanding your cervical screening test results.
- Call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders
The Department of Health and Aged Care offers information about cervical screening in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
Other languages
There are fact sheets from the Department of Health and Aged Care about cervical screening in languages other than English.