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It’s your Cervical
Screening Test

TAKE ME TO   INFORMATION

Why screen?

Cervical cancer is preventable.

The Cervical Screening Test (previously the Pap smear) checks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection that can lead to cervical cancer.

There are different types of HPV. Most cases of HPV clear up on their own, however, sometimes it can develop into cancer.

Even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, it’s still important to get regular Cervical Screening Tests. The vaccine doesn’t protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.

Over 70% of cervical cancers happen in people who have never screened or aren’t up to date with their screening.

You should get a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years if you:

  • Are a woman or person with a cervix
  • Are between age 25-74 and
  • Have ever had sexual contact.

Come behind the scenes of the Own It Campaign and meet the inspiring faces bringing it to life!

Meet Nerelle and Samm. Two First Nations women who care about their communities and want to see their health improve.

“Being able to have choices about cervical screening breaks down the reluctance that people may have because traditional screening is quite invasive.”

Keeping health checks simple and straightforward are important to Kara.

“It is so empowering to be able to have choice in how I get screened.”

The self-swab method is a simple and accessible way to do your Cervical Screening Test. You have more control and privacy over your test, so Own It!

Kara is passionate to further her studies in positive health messaging and make health accessible for all.

Cervical screening for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women and people with a cervix

Cervical screening is free, quick and the best way to prevent cervical cancer. Your doctor can do the test, or you can do the test yourself with a swab.

Just one Cervical Screening Test every 5 years from ages 25-74 is the best way to look after your cervical health and could save your life.

For more resources on Cervical Screening for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, see:

IT’S OKAY TO FEEL NERVOUS ABOUT SCREENING

You may be thinking about:

  • Not knowing a lot about cervical screening
  • Having no time or ways to do screening
  • Leaving family duties to visit a health service
  • Finding a healthcare worker that’s right for you and your culture
  • Times before when a medical practice or health worker upset you or caused you distress
  • Feeling vulnerable or uncomfortable about the screening process
  • Feeling anxious while waiting for your results
  • Talking to healthcare workers who use complicated medical language
  • Having to do more appointments if your test comes back with anything

If you are feeling hesitant about doing cervical screening, speak to your doctor, nurse, or Aboriginal Health Worker about how they can help you feel safe and comfortable.

You have choices when it comes to your cervical screening. They can do the test for you, or you can do it yourself. Self-swab may be a more comfortable option for you – it’s quick, easy and puts you in control.

You can also find more information about cervical screening from your local Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) service or clinic.

CAN I DO A CERVICAL SCREENING TEST WITH MY ANNUAL 715 HEALTH CHECK?

Yes. Remember to tell your health worker to include the Cervical Screening Test if it is not already part of your annual health check.

You only need to do a test every 5 years, so you might not need to do the test yet. Your health worker can tell you when you’re next due for a test.

The 5-yearly Cervical Screening Test is free if done at an AMS or ACCHO.

What is Cervical Cancer?

The cervix is the narrow passage that connects the vagina and the uterus (womb). Cervical cancer is the growth of cancerous cells in the lining of the cervix.

Cervical cancer is usually caused by a HPV infection that stays in the body for a long time sometimes over 10-15 years without symptoms.

Cervical cancer usually shows no symptoms in its early stages. That’s why it’s important to do your Cervical Screening Test every 5 years.

The Cervical Screening Test can find HPV or changes in the cervix early making them easier to monitor or treat.

Where to screen?

You can get a Cervical Screening Test from most health clinics or services including::
    • An Aboriginal Medical Service or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service
    • Your local doctor’s clinic
    • A community health centre
    • A women’s health centre
    • A sexual health clinic
    • A family planning clinic
    • A Refugee Health Service
Talk to your healthcare worker to book a Cervical Screening Test or to find out more.

THE CERVICAL SCREENING TEST PROCESS

Watch this guide to cervical screening for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women and people with a cervix.

If you are eligible, you have two options:

Talk to a doctor, nurse, or health worker you feel comfortable with about cervical screening and which option is best for you.

Screening Reminders

The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) will send you a reminder to screen at 4 years and 9 months after your last screen. You may get this reminder via letter or text message.

You can check when you’re due by talking to your healthcare worker or using the NCSR’s Participant Portal (via my.gov.au). You can also call the NCSR on 1800 627 701.

If you have any symptoms of cervical cancer between your cervical screenings, speak with your healthcare worker as soon as possible.

Symptoms of cervical cancer include bleeding after sex, unexplained bleeding between periods, or any bleeding after menopause.

How to do a self‑swab
Cervical Screening Test

The self-swab method gives you more control over your Cervical Screening Test.

Here’s how to do it:

Doctor-collected
Cervical Screening Test

Cervical Screening Test

vs. the Pap smear?

In 2017, the Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap test (aka the Pap smear) in Australia.

  • The Pap smear looked for unusual changes or cancer in the cervix.
  • The Cervical Screening Test looks for HPV before it becomes unusual or a cancer. HPV is a common virus and causes almost all cervical cancers.

By detecting HPV early, the Cervical Screening Test allows for treatment of cell changes to prevent cervical cancer from developing.

Have a cervical screening test every 5 years from 25-74 if you have ever had any sexual contact

Having a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years from the age of 25 is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

You should start testing at age 25. Cervical cancer is rare in people under 25 years of age. However, if you develop symptoms of cervical cancer before 25, you should see your healthcare worker. Symptoms of cervical cancer include bleeding after sex or unexplained bleeding between periods.

Most people won’t even know they have HPV and show no symptoms. Most of the time, the body will naturally clear the HPV infection on its own.

In some cases, HPV can stay in the body for a long time or lay dormant and reactivate later in life.

It is recommended you have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years until you’re age 70-74. That is the best way to find any HPV before it becomes cancer.

How do I know when I’m due for my next test?

The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) sends an invitation to start screening when you turn 25. They also send reminders when your next test is due.

You can check when you’re next due and make sure your contact details are up to date by using the NCSR’s Participant Portal (via my.gov.au) or calling 1800 627 701.

Who needs to screen?

IF YOU ARE A WOMAN OR A PERSON WITH A CERVIX, YOU’RE AT RISK OF CERVICAL CANCER

If you’re a woman or person with a cervix and you’ve ever had sexual contact, you should have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years from the age of 25.
You should test no matter your HPV vaccination status, number of sexual partners, gender of sexual partners, or whether you’re currently sexually active.

IF I DON’T HAVE A CERVIX,
SHOULD I STILL DO CERVICAL SCREENING?

If you’ve had a full hysterectomy and don’t have a cervix, talk to your doctor or nurse about whether you need to continue to do cervical screening.
If you’ve had a partial hysterectomy, you may need to continue cervical screening.
No matter the type of hysterectomy you’ve had, please see your healthcare worker to discuss if you need to continue cervical screening.

Tips to make screening easier for you

Cervical screening is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer. You only have to screen every 5 years.

Some people find cervical screening challenging and uncomfortable.

Here are some tips that may help you feel more confident to do the test.

FIND A HEALTHCARE WORKER YOU TRUST

Finding a healthcare worker you trust can be difficult. Ask your family, friends or community for recommendations or talk to your local AMS or ACCHO.

You can also find health services that offer cervical screening at www.healthdirect.gov.au.

TAKE A SUPPORT PERSON WITH YOU

You can bring a friend, loved one, or family member with you for support. They can provide emotional support, help distract you, offer a hand to hold, or speak up for you.

Talk to your support person about the support you might need and your screening preferences.

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE WORKER

You may find it helpful if your healthcare worker explains every step or you can look at an online instruction guide or video.

You can ask the healthcare worker to stop at any time. You may tell them a word or phrase at the beginning of your appointment to let them know you want to stop.

ASKING FOR ACCESSIBILITY

You can ask the staff for help making your test accessible and comfortable.

You can practice how you want to communicate your needs to your doctor or nurse.

You have the right to feel safe, respected, and empowered in any healthcare setting.

HELP WITH SELF-SWAB

If you are unsure about doing your own swab test, you can ask your healthcare worker for help.

Your healthcare worker can be in the room with you and talk you through the process.

The healthcare worker can also use the self-swab to take a sample from your vagina. Discuss your options with your healthcare worker.

YOU’RE IN CONTROL

If you’re doing the test yourself, you can ask to do it in a private space that feels comfortable for you. This may be in the office behind a curtain or in the clinic bathroom.

If you’re having a healthcare worker-collected test and it feels very uncomfortable, you can ask the healthcare worker to stop at any time.

COMFORT WHEN THE HEALTHCARE WORKER DOES YOUR SCREENING

If you are having a healthcare worker-collected test and lying flat on your back feels uncomfortable or vulnerable, you can ask to sit up slightly. You can also request a sheet to be laid over your legs.

If you feel very uncomfortable, you can ask the healthcare worker to stop at any time. You might be able to take a short break or try again another day.

BOOK A LONGER APPOINTMENT IF YOU NEED

If you think you may need more time, you can book a longer appointment. You can also book separate appointments: 1) to discuss your cervical screening options, and 2) to do the test.

The cost of your appointments depends on your clinic’s fees. You can ask if there are any extra costs like consultation fees when making your appointment.

TAKE YOUR TIME WITH A SELF-SWAB TEST

If you’re doing your own test, you can take your time. You can ask to do it in a private space that feels comfortable for you.

Your healthcare worker can provide an instruction guide to assist you.

Karen wants the younger generation to value their health, education, and do the right thing for themselves.

Know your options for your Cervical Screening Test and ask to make the test more comfortable for you e.g. asking for a female doctor, or doing a self-swab.

With knowledge of her options, Karen is asking to get a self-swab at her next Cervical Screening Test!

Lowanna and Rose acknowledge that some First Nations community and their medical practitioners experience cultural misunderstandings during consultations.

Within a matriarchal society, it is important for women and people with a cervix to care for their wellbeing to ensure enduring health over time.

The cervical screening self-swab provides comfort and privacy, allowing you to have more control over your test and reduce discomfort from traditional screening.

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

I LIVE IN REGIONAL/REMOTE AUSTRALIA, HOW CAN I HAVE A CERVICAL SCREENING TEST?

Living in regional or remote areas may mean cervical screening is harder due to greater challenges to access healthcare and information.

It is important to prioritise screening. Check out options for cervical screening in your local area. These could include mobile or outreach services.

You can also visit Women’s Health Nurses, who play an important role in cervical screening in remote areas.

For more information on locations, hours, and contact details, visit your Local Health District website, Medical Centres, or the Australian Women’s Health Nurse Association.

ARE THERE COSTS FOR THE CERVICAL SCREENING TEST?

If you’re Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, the test is completely free for you at AMS or ACCHO health clinics.

There’s no fee for the Cervical Screening Test because it is fully covered by Medicare. Some non AMS or ACCHO healthcare workers charge consultation fees for doing the test with them. You can ask if there are any extra costs when making your appointment.

For example, you can ask:

  • “Am I due for my cervical screening test?”
  • “I am Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, is the appointment and test free for me?”
  • “Do you bulk bill cervical screening consultations?”
  • “Can you send my pathology requests to a lab that doesn’t charge gap fees?”

WHAT IF I HAVE CERVICAL CANCER SYMPTOMS?

The Cervical Screening Test is a test for people who don’t have any symptoms.

If you have symptoms see a healthcare worker right away. Symptoms may include:

  • vaginal pain
  • unusual vaginal bleeding
  • pain during sex
  • unusual vaginal discharge

IS THE SELF-SWAB TEST LESS EFFECTIVE OR ACCURATE?

The self-swab test is just as accurate as the healthcare worker-collected test for finding HPV.

If HPV is found, you may need a follow-up healthcare worker-collected test for further investigation.

HOW DO I KNOW I AM SWABBING THE RIGHT SPOT?

With the self-swab, you do not need to reach the cervix. Insert the swab 4-5 cm into the vagina. The swab usually has a red line to guide you. Your healthcare worker can provide guidance to ensure you do it correctly.

WILL SELF SWAB KITS BE SENT TO EVERYONE BY MAIL?

No, self-swab kits are not sent by mail. You need to visit a clinic to get a self-swab test.

Your healthcare worker will help with the test and provide support with results.

HOW CAN I MAKE THE TEST MORE COMFORTABLE FOR ME?

Think about what might make your screening experience more comfortable.

You can tell the staff if you want:

  • A female healthcare worker
  • A longer appointment or to take a short break during the appointment
  • Interpreter services (including Auslan)
  • A quiet environment with less noise, light, or smells
  • A few minutes alone after the test
  • If you want silence during the test or if you want small talk

Remember this is your body and you are in control of your test. You have the right to ask for what makes you the most comfortable.

WHAT IS HPV?

HPV is a very common virus. Over 80% of people will have it at least once in their lives.

HPV can be passed through various types of skin-to-skin sexual contact.

HPV can stay inactive in your body for a long time, possibly without any symptoms. This makes it difficult to know when or how the virus was contracted.

IF I HAVE HPV, WILL I GET CANCER?

In most cases, no. Most people’s immune systems fight off the virus within about 1–2 years, without any effect on their health and often with no symptoms.

For some people, HPV can stay in the body for a long time and reappear later in life. If the virus stays active in the body for a long time, it could lead to cell changes and may develop into cervical cancer.

HPV typically takes a long time to develop into cervical cancer, sometimes decades. However, in some cases, it can change faster than usual. This is why routine screening is important to detect HPV and treat any changes to prevent cancer.

WHAT HAPPENS IF HPV IS FOUND ON MY TEST?

If your test results show HPV, your healthcare worker will give you guidance on next steps.

If you did your own test, you may need to come back for a healthcare worker-collected test. The healthcare worker-collected test can take a sample from your cervix to detect any further changes caused by the HPV.

The results of these tests will determine if further investigations or treatments are necessary to prevent cervical cancer.

You might need to return in a year for a follow-up Cervical Screening Test to see if the HPV infection has cleared. You might also require a colposcopy, a special exam of your cervix which may include a biopsy.

To learn more about what happens after your test and what different results can mean visit Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

IF I HAVE HPV, HOW DO I PROTECT MY PARTNERS?

Because HPV can be spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact, not all methods of standard protection are completely effective.

Condoms offer limited protection against HPV because they do not cover all genital skin. However, they do provide excellent protection against infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV.

Getting the HPV vaccine and doing cervical screening is the best way to protect your health.

IS THERE A CURE FOR HPV?

No. There is currently no cure for HPV. However, there is treatment available for the pre-cancerous cell changes caused by HPV.

The HPV vaccine does not protect against every type of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. This is why it’s important to do Cervical Screening Tests, even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine.

If you do get HPV, the virus usually clears up on its own after 1-2 years, but screening is the only way to be sure your body has cleared the virus.

WHAT ABOUT CERVICAL CANCERS THAT AREN’T CAUSED BY HPV?

Most cervical cancers are linked to or start from HPV.

Cervical cancers not caused by HPV are very rare, but they do exist. This is why it is important to tell your doctor or nurse if you notice symptoms like bleeding after sex, unexplained bleeding between periods, any bleeding after menopause or any unusual vaginal discharge.

If you do not have symptoms, doing a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years is the best way to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A MEDICARE CARD?

If you do not have a Medicare card, you may receive an invoice for the test and/or pathology lab assessment. Discuss costs with your doctor or nurse when booking your test.

International students with overseas student health cover (OSHC) will have their pathology lab costs covered. You may need to pay for the tests and then seek reimbursement from your insurance provider.

If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in need of free services, please refer to Services Australia and the Refugee Health Network of Australia.

I LIVE WITH A DISABILITY, CAN I STILL SCREEN?

Yes. If you have a cervix, and have ever had sexual contact, then you need to have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years from age 25 to 74.

You can bring a friend, family member, caregiver, or support person to your appointment. You can also book a longer appointment, so you don’t feel rushed.

Be sure to tell staff about any specific needs you may have. You can also ask for help to complete the self-swab option, if you prefer.

Find out more about cervical screening with disability.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU TURN 70?

Individuals aged 70 to 74 are encouraged to do a final Cervical Screening Test to check cervical health and the absence of HPV.

After this age, the risk of developing cervical cancer is very low and you can stop cervical screening.

CAN I DO A CERVICAL SCREENING TEST WHEN I’M ON MY PERIOD?

Yes, you can have a Cervical Screening Test at any point in your menstrual cycle. Please note that very heavy bleeding can interfere with the test results.

Many women and people with a cervix find it more comfortable to schedule their test when they are not menstruating. Whether you do your test during or not during your menstrual cycle is your choice.

I’M PREGNANT, CAN I STILL SCREEN?

Yes, cervical screening is safe if you are pregnant.

Talk to your healthcare worker about the best time and screening options for your Cervical Screening Test.

DO I STILL NEED TO DO CERVICAL SCREENING IF I’VE BEEN THROUGH MENOPAUSE?

Yes. It’s important to continue regular cervical screening until you have your last test when you’re 70-74 years old.

For some post-menopausal women and people with a cervix, hormonal changes in the vagina can make getting a quality sample from the cervix challenging and uncomfortable.

Your healthcare worker can prescribe a topical oestrogen before your healthcare worker-collected test to make you more comfortable. This treatment is temporary and usually has minimal side effects.

Otherwise, you can choose to do your own test with a simple swab at the clinic.

I HAVE HEARING DIFFICULTIES AND/OR A SPEECH IMPAIRMENT

If you have a hearing or speech impediment, contact the National Relay Service to assist with your cervical screening appointment.

I NEED AN INTERPRETER FOR MY CERVICAL SCREENING APPOINTMENT

You can ask for an in person or telephone interpreter service to help you during your test appointment.

Tell your healthcare worker you need an interpreter when you book and ask them to organise that for you.

Check with your healthcare worker that there are no costs with this interpreter service.

Visit the Translating and Interpreting Services or call 13 14 50 for telephone interpreter service. 

Find resources on cervical screening in multiple languages.

Get in touch!

Have any questions or need more information?
We’re here to help! Reach out to us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.



We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate on throughout Australia and remind people that we are on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. We also acknowledge the Elders and in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples visiting this website.

The Own It campaign is funded by the Australian Government.