Cervical screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable of all cancers. 

The National Cervical Screening Program – a joint Australian, State and Territory Government initiative – aims to prevent cervical cancer by detecting, monitoring or treating changes in the cervix before they progress to cancer. Australia is on track to be the first country to eliminate cervical cancer, but only if we maintain or increase testing rates, and ensure everyone with a cervix who is eligible screens when due. 

Cervical cancer can be detected by having a Cervical Screening Test (CST). The CST looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that causes most cervical changes and almost all cervical cancers – before any abnormalities develop.  

Women and people who have a cervix, aged between 25 and 74 years who have ever been sexually active should have a CST every five years, including people who have had the HPV vaccine.