By
Cancer Council NSW
6 things to know about cervical screening
By
Cancer Council NSW
Cervical screening, also known as the cervical screening test, replaced the Pap test in 2017, and detects cancer-causing types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in a sample of cells taken from the cervix.
The National Cervical Screening Program recommends that women and people with a cervix aged 25–74 have a cervical screening test two years after their last Pap test, and then once every five years.
And since prevention is one of the most effective ways of creating a cancer free future, here are six things to know about cervical screening:
1. Cervical screening is not painful
A cervical screening test can cause some discomfort, but it should not be painful. If you have symptoms such as pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, always see your doctor straight away – regardless of your age or when you were last screened.
2. Cervical screening can detect changes to the cervix before they become cancerous
Cervical cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why the screening test is the most effective way to find any precancerous changes or early cervical cancer, which can then be treated.
3. Self-collection is now an option for cervical screening
Self-collection is when a woman or person with a cervix takes their own vaginal sample for cervical screening.
Instructions on how to collect the sample are provided and a private place for collection of the sample is offered. The test is just as effective at detecting HPV and preventing cervical cancer.
You can also have a healthcare provider collect your sample.
4. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV
Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer caused by HPV, but persistent infection can also lead to less common cancers affecting men and women, including anal, vulvar, vaginal, mouth/throat and penile cancers.
It can take a very long time between becoming infected with HPV and developing cancer.
5. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers
Cancer of the cervix is one of the most preventable cancers. About 930 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Australia each year.
6. Even if you’re vaccinated you should still take the test
When the HPV vaccine is given in adolescence, it provides strong protection against cervical cancer. However, the HPV vaccine does not protect against all strains of HPV, so it’s important to have regular cervical screening tests whether you are vaccinated or not.
Regular cervical screening helps to detect problems early, which means timely treatment and prevention of cervical cancer.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your individual risk factors and the appropriate screening schedule for you.
For more on HPV and testing, visit our cervical screening section or learn more about Cervical cancer.
FAQs
The cervical screening test replaced the Pap test in 2017. It detects cancer-causing types of HPV in a sample of cells taken from the cervix.
The National Cervical Screening Program recommends that women and people with a cervix aged 25–74 have a cervical screening test two years after their last Pap test, and then once every five years.
You can have a Cervical Screening Test with many different health professionals, including your regular local doctor or nurse.
There are 2 ways to collect cells for a cervical screening test. In most cases, you can choose the way you prefer.
Health provider collected
During the test, a doctor or nurse gently inserts an instrument (called a speculum) into the vagina to widen the vaginal walls and get a clearer view of the cervix. They will then use a brush or spatula to remove some cells from the cervix. This can feel slightly uncomfortable, but usually takes only 1–2 minutes.
The cell sample is then placed in a container of liquid and sent to a laboratory to check for HPV. If HPV is found, a specialist doctor called a pathologist will do an additional test on the sample to check for cell abnormalities. This is called liquid-based cytology (LBC).
Self-collected
This is done in a private space (e.g. a bathroom) in a health clinic. A health care provider will give you a self-collection swab and explain how to collect your own cell sample. Or, if you prefer, the provider can assist you to collect the sample without using a speculum. Self-collection is only available to people who do not have any signs or symptoms of cancer. Self-collected samples are not suitable for liquid-based cytology, so if HPV is detected, you may be asked to return to have a health provider collect a second sample or be referred for a colposcopy.
The test results are used to predict your level of risk for significant cervical changes. If the results show:
- a higher risk – you will be referred for a colposcopy
- an intermediate risk – you will be monitored with a follow-up screening test in 12 months
- a low risk (no HPV detected) – you will be due for your next cervical screening test in 5 years.
For more information, call Cancer Council 13 11 20 or visit cervicalscreening.org.au.
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