- 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.
- Regular cervical screening can prevent around 90% of cervical cancers. In Australia, most people who develop cervical cancer are either overdue for screening or have never been screened.
- Cervical cancer often has no warning symptoms in the early stages, which is why screening is recommended, even when you feel well.
- 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. While most HPV infections clear naturally, persistent HPV can cause cervical cell changes that may lead to cancer if not found and treated early.
- The National Cervical Screening Program provides two screening test options, including self-collection as a choice for all people participating in cervical screening. 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.
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Cervical screening saves lives
Regular cervical screening is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer.
The Cervical Screening Test checks for the presence of the human papilloma virus (HPV) – a virus that can cause cervical cancer.
Having regular cervical screening tests can prevent around 90% of cervical cancers through early detection and treatment of HPV-related changes to cervical cells.
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.
Who is eligible for cervical screening?
Screening is available for eligible people through the National Cervical .
A Cervical Screening Test is available to:
- Women and people with a cervix (25 to 74 years) who have ever been sexually active.
This includes all women, trans and gender diverse people, people with disability, and people of all sexualities.
You still need regular screening even if you:
- feel healthy or have no symptoms
- have had the HPV vaccine (the vaccine does not protect against all cancer-causing HPV types)
- identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or non‑binary
If you have had a hysterectomy, you should discuss whether you need a Cervical Screening Test with your healthcare provider.
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?
If your Cervical Screening Test shows HPV is not detected, your next screen is due in 5 years.
If HPV is detected, your healthcare provider will recommend the most appropriate followup. This may include repeat HPV testing or further examination, such as colposcopy.
If certain higher risk types of HPV (such as HPV 16 or 18) are detected, your doctor may refer you directly for a colposcopy because these types are more strongly linked to cervical cancer.
Most HPV infections clear naturally within 1 to 3 years without treatment, and only a small number lead to cell changes that need further investigation and treatment .
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 or Tel. 1800 627 701.
If you don’t have a preferred GP or health service, search the National Health 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 – 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.
Cervical Screening Tests are free under Medicare for eligible people. Your healthcare provider may charge a consultation fee depending on the clinic, so it’s a good idea to ask about costs when booking your appointment.
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 .
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 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.
When cervical screening is not the right test
Cervical screening is for people without symptoms. If you have symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pain, or discharge, you should see your GP or healthcare provider for assessment rather than arranging a routine screening test.
Where to get help
- Your GP (doctor)
- Local community health centre or women's health nurse
- Sexual Health . 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
- National Cancer Tel. 1800 627 701
- Australian Centre for the Prevention of Tel. 03 9250 0300
- Cancer Tel. 13 11 20
- – helps people affected by cancer find the information, resources and support services they may need following a diagnosis of cancer
- Additional information about Women’s Health and Wellbeing in Victoria
- Use the National Health to find a health service near you
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
