Cervical screening

 

The Cervical Screening Test checks for the presence of the human papilloma virus (HPV) – a virus that can cause cervical cancer.

Who is eligible for cervical screening?

Screening is available for eligible people through the National Cervical Screening Program.

A Cervical Screening Test is available to:

Women and people with a cervix (25 to 74 years) who have ever been sexually active.

If you have had a hysterectomy, you should discuss whether you need a Cervical Screening Test with your healthcare provider.

Cervical screening is recommended (every 5 years) even if you feel healthy, or have had the HPV vaccine.

Cervical screening is free under Medicare 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?

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.

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.

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 Victoria (SHV) – service is youth friendly. To book an appointment call:

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.