Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • The Cervical Screening Test (which replaced the Pap test) is a quick and simple test that checks for the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that can cause changes to the cells of the cervix which may lead to cervical cancer.
  • Having HPV or abnormal cell changes in the cervix does not mean you have cancer, but if left undetected and untreated may lead to cancer.
  • Treatment for cervical cancer can include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.
  • The National Cervical Screening Program recommends that all women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 74 who have ever been sexually active should have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years, even if they've had the HPV vaccine.
  • The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent the types of HPV that cause most of the HPV-related cancers and disease in people of all genders.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 25-07-2022