- Regular cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancer. If you’re aged 25 to 74 and have a cervix, and have ever been sexually active, you need a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years, even if you’ve had the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine.
- The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV infection known to cause cervical cancer, so regular screens are still required for eligible people who have been vaccinated.
- The Cervical Screening Test is effective because it detects HPV, which causes almost all cervical cancers. The body can get rid of most HPV infections naturally but if it doesn’t, some types of HPV can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. If these cell changes are not picked up early and treated, they can turn into cervical cancer.
- From 1 July 2022, the National Cervical Screening Program has expanded screening test options, offering self-collection as a choice for all people participating in cervical screening. The change means if you are aged 25 to 74 years you will have the choice to screen using either a self-collected vaginal sample or a healthcare provider (doctor or nurse) collected test sample from the cervix.
- Both options are equally accurate and safe ways to detect HPV or any associated cervical disease.
On this page
- Cervical screening saves lives
- Who is eligible for cervical screening?
- How do I know when I need to have my cervical screening test?
- What are my choices for cervical screening?
- How to organise your cervical screening test
- Getting your cervical screening test results
- What does my result mean?
- Where to get help
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 .
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 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 or Tel. 1800 627 701.
If you don’t have a preferred GP or health service, search the National Health Services 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 – 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 .
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 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 . 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
- National Cancer Screening Tel. 1800 627 701
- Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Tel. 03 9250 0300
- Cancer Council Tel. 13 11 20
- Use the National Health Services to find a health service near you
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
