TranslateWho should have a Cervical Screen Test?
What is the Cervical Screening Test?
The Cervical Screening Test (CST) has replaced the Pap Smear test as the screening test for cervical cancer. The CST looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that causes most cervical changes and almost all cervical cancers. Regular cervical screening is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
It can take up to 10-15 years for cervical cancer to develop. Long-term HPV infection causes the cell changes that lead to cervical cancer.
Cervical screening is facilitated through a doctor, nurse, or health worker with a rebate for the Cervical Screening Test – either self-collected or healthcare provider collected – provided through Medicare. There are two options for having a Cervical Screening Test:
A healthcare provider collected sample.
Self - collection.
If at any time you have symptoms, such as pain, unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding or recent persistent unusual changes, you should see your doctor or healthcare provider straight away.
Who should have a Cervical Screening Test?
You are due to screen every 5 years if you are a woman or person with a cervix, aged between 25 and 74 and have ever been sexually active. If you have never screened, you will receive an invitation from the National Cancer Screening Register close to your 25th birthday.
You should have a CST even if you:
Have had the HPV vaccination;
Have been through menopause;
Have had a baby;
Are pregnant (ensure to let your health care professional know);
Are LGBTIQA+ and have a cervix;
Have not been sexually active for a long time
Have only been with one sexual partner
Have only had non-penetrative sex (i.e oral or anal sex)
Have experienced a traditional cutting or circumcision
The National Cancer Screening Register will send you a reminder when you are due to screen. If your contact details have changed since you last screened, please contact the NCSR.
If you are due or overdue to screen, contact your healthcare provider to make a booking. If you do not have a preferred healthcare provider, healthdirect can help you find one.
I’m under 25 – why don’t I need a Cervical Screening Test?
Even if you had sexual contact at an early age, there is no need to begin screening before 25.
Cervical cancer is rarely found in this age group
Most HPV infections found in this age group clear by themselves
The HPV vaccine is highly effective in protecting the body against the main risk types of HPV
Cervical screening is not covered by Medicare for people under 24 years and nine months.
How often should I do cervical screening?
You are eligible to have your first Cervical Screening Test when you turn 25.
You should keep screening every five years until you are 74
Contact your healthcare provider, or the National Cancer Screening Register to find out when you are next due to screen.
Do I still need to screen if I have had the HPV vaccination?
The HPV vaccine protects against up to 9 types of HPV. As the vaccine does not cover all types of HPV, you should still have a CST every five years if you are a woman or person with a cervix aged 25-74 years and have ever been sexually active.
What if I have symptoms?
If you have symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pain or discharge, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible, no matter your age, or how long it has been since your last CST.
Why should I screen every five years?
Research has shown that five years is a safe interval between screening tests. The CST looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cell changes in the cervix.
If HPV is not detected in your CST, you have a low risk of developing cervical changes before you next screen. It usually takes 10-15 years for cervical cancer to develop as a result of a HPV infection that does not clear up.
In most cases, the body’s immune system will clear a HPV infection within 1- 2 years. If the infection persists, it will be found when you next screen.
Why has the starting age for cervical screening changed from 18 to 25?
The age that women should begin cervical screening has changed. The basis for this decision is high-level international evidence. The research shows:
- Cervical cancer is very rare in women younger than 25;
- While HPV is very common in women of this age group, the body usually clears it within 1-2 years;
- A HPV that is not cleared by the body usually takes 10-15 years to develop into cervical cancer; and
- There are some risks with treating abnormalities in the cervix in young women. These include the chance of pregnancy complications later in life.
Remember: If at any time you have symptoms, such as pain, unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding or recent persistent unusual changes, you should see your doctor or healthcare provider straightaway.
How is the CST different to the Pap test?
The Pap test has not been used in Australia since 2017. The Pap test looked for cell changes in the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. The Cervical Screening Test looks for human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of most cervical cancers – before the cells have had a chance to change.
There are two options for having a Cervical Screening Test:
- A healthcare provider collected sample.
- Self - collection.
Screening using a self-collected sample from your vagina is just as effective at detecting HPV as a healthcare provider collected sample.
What does the test cost?
There is a Medicare rebate for cervical screening. If your healthcare provider bulk bills and you are due or overdue to screen, there should be no cost to you. Some healthcare providers charge a consultation fee. You can ask what the fee will be when you make a booking to screen.
What does my result mean?
For most people, the results will be that no HPV was found. Your healthcare provider will advise you to do the Cervical Screening Test again in 5 years.
If HPV is detected, your healthcare provider will talk to you about what to do next. You may need to have a healthcare provider- collected test, if you chose to self-collect previously.
