- Cervical cancer can be prevented through regular screening (every 5 years).
- Cervical cancer screening is recommended for women or people with a cervix (25 to 74 years) who have been sexually active.
- The cervical screening test is effective because it detects the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV infection known to cause cervical cancer, so continue having regular screens.
On this page
- Cervical screening saves lives
- Who is eligible for cervical screening?
- How to organise your cervical screening test
- What happens at my cervical screening?
- Collecting your own cervical test sample
- Getting your cervical screening test results
- What if my cervical screening test result is negative?
- What if my cervical screening test result is abnormal?
- 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.
Cervical cancer often has no symptoms, especially in the early stages when cervical cell changes take place.
Cervical screening checks for the presence of the human papilloma virus (HPV) – a virus that can cause cervical cancer.
Most cervical cancers occur in people who have never been screened or have not had regular screening.
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.
Who is eligible for cervical screening?
Screening is available for eligible people through the National Cervical Screening .
Cervical screening is recommended (every 5 years) even if you feel healthy, or have had the HPV vaccine.
Cervical screening is available to:
- Women or people with a cervix (25 to 74 years) who have been sexually active.
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.
How to organise your cervical screening test
Cervical screening tests are available from:
- GP clinics
- community health centres
- women’s health centres
- family planning clinics
- sexual health clinics
- Aboriginal medical service or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.
If you prefer, you can also ask for a female health professional to do your test.
How do I know when I need to have my cervical screening test?
People usually get a letter 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.
- Call the National Cancer Screening on 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 happens at my cervical screening?
Watch the National Cervical Screening Program's video on What to expect during a cervical screening .
A cervical screening test only takes a few minutes. If you need support, you may like to take someone with you to your appointment.
A GP, nurse or health worker will take a pelvic examination, which is done in a private room at the clinic.
What do I wear to my cervical screening test?
It’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothing (such as a skirt or pants) as you will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down.
What to expect during your cervical screening
The doctor, nurse or health worker will ask you to lie on a bed on your back with your knees apart – a blanket or sheet may be used to cover you.
The test involves:
- A speculum will gently be inserted into your vagina to hold it open so the cervix can be seen clearly.
- A cotton swab is used to take the cell sample.
- You will then be asked to get dressed.
- The sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing.
If you experience any discomfort, please tell the GP, nurse or health worker.
The female reproductive system
Image courtesy of Cancer Council
Collecting your own cervical test sample
Some people may be eligible to take their own sample for cervical – called . It is also known as a vaginal swab.
Self-collection is only available if you are 30 years and over and:
- You have never had a cervical screening test (or Pap test).
- Your screening is at least 2 years overdue.
Speak with your GP or health service to work out the best option for you.
If you are eligible, you will be given:
- A self-collection device.
- Instructions on how to collect your sample.
- A private place to collect your sample.
The GP, nurse or health worker will then talk to you about the next steps.
Self-collection is a safe and effective method of testing. However, it can only test vaginal cells (not cells in your cervix), to check for HPV.
Getting your cervical screening test results
Cervical screening test results usually take 2 to 3 weeks to come back.
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 if my cervical screening test result is negative?
If no HPV is found (your test result is negative) which is the case for most people, you will be asked to screen again in 5 years.
You should get a letter a few months before your next test is due.
Remember to keep your address up to date with , so you can be reached. You can also update your address directly with the National Cancer Screening .
What if my cervical screening test result is abnormal?
Test results may come back positive or unsatisfactory for different reasons. This does not mean you have HPV or cervical cancer. Some people may be asked to have further because:
- The lab could not read the sample properly – you may be asked to repeat the test in 6-12 weeks.
- Your test results show you may have HPV. You will be asked to do another test in a year’s time to see if HPV is still present. There's a good chance that your body's immune system will get rid of the HPV in that time. If the HPV infection’s gone when you are retested, you’ll return to 5-yearly screening. If it is still there, you will be referred to a specialist.
- You have abnormal cell results that need further investigation. You will be referred to a specialist (usually a gynaecologist) who will undertake a procedure called a (a bit like the screening test) which looks at the cells more closely.
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)
- Gynaecologist
- Local community health centre
- Women's health nurse
- Family Planning Tel. (03) 9257 0100 or 1800 013 952
- National Cervical Screening
- National Cancer Screening Tel. 1800 627 701
- Cancer Council Tel. 13 11 20
- Multilingual Cancer Information , Victoria Tel. 13 14 50
- Use the National Health Services to find a health service near you.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Department of Health - Screening and Cancer Prevention