The Cervical Screening Test can prevent cervical cancer
If you are due for a test, book your appointment - it could save your life.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is part of the female reproductive system. It connects the vagina to the uterus (womb).
What causes cervical cancer?
Almost all cervical cancer cancer is caused by an infection called human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is a common infection. It is passed between people through sexual activity. It usually has no symptoms and clears up by itself in one to two years.
However, if the infection does not clear up by itself, it can cause cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer.
How much does the Cervical Screening Test cost?
There is a Medicare rebate for cervical screening. Some doctors provide cervical screening for free (bulk billing). Some doctors charge a fee. It is best to ask if there are any extra costs when you book your test.
Cervical screening can prevent cervical cancer
The Cervical Screening Test is a simple and quick test that can prevent cervical cancer by looking for HPV.
Women aged 25–74 should have a Cervical Screening Test every five years. You can book a time to have a Cervical Screening Test with your doctor or nurse.
You can choose between two options for your test:
1. Your doctor or nurse can collect a sample from your cervix using an instrument called a speculum, or;
2. You can collect your own sample from your vagina using a swab. This is called self-collection. You will be given a swab, instructions and a private place at the medical centre where you can collect your sample.
The sample is sent away to look for HPV and any cell changes.
If you have HPV, you may need a second test soon to check if the infection has cleared up on its own. If you have abnormal cell changes, they can be monitored or treated to prevent you from getting cervical cancer.
What to do and booking your test
Find out when you are due for your next test. Call the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701 or ask your doctor or nurse.
You can ask your doctor or nurse to book an interpreter for your appointment.
You can call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.
You can take a support person, such as a friend or family member to your test, if you would like.
Book a time with a doctor or nurse at your medical centre.
You can choose to:
- see your normal doctor
- ask to see a female doctor
- go to a different medical centre or health clinic, such as
- community health centres
- women’s health centres
- Family Planning clinics.
Your results from cervical screening
Your doctor or nurse will give you your results when they are ready. They can answer any questions you have about your results.
Most people will be asked to have another Cervical Screening Test in 5 years. This means the result is normal and no HPV infection was found.
Some people will need another Cervical Screening Test in 12 months. This is to check if the HPV infection has cleared up by itself.
A few people will be asked to see a specialist doctor for a different test. This is called a colposcopy. This procedure looks closely at the cervix to check for
cervical cell changes which may need treatment. This does not mean the person has cervical cancer. It takes a long time to get cancer after a HPV infection and it is not common.
What to do if you notice unusual symptoms or signs of sickness
Talk to your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice these symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding when it shouldn’t happen. For example, bleeding after sex or bleeding at any time after menopause.
- Unexplained continuing vaginal discharge.
- Unexplained continuing pain during sex.
Do not wait for your next Cervical Screening Test. These symptoms are not specific to cervical cancer. They could be caused by other health issues and should be checked by your doctor.
Are you a health educator for multicultural communities?
Access our cervical screening community education resources available in 16 different languages, including English, Arabic, Assyrian, Bengali, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Dari, Farsi, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Spanish, Thai, Tibetan, Turkish and Vietnamese.
