Cancer Institute NSW
Your cervical screen results
The Cervical Screening Test (the Pap test replacement) looks for the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the cause of almost all cervical cancers[1].
What results might I receive?
Possible results include:
- Return to screen in five years
- Unsatisfactory result
- Repeat the test in 12 months
- Refer to specialist
If you had a Pap test before 1 December 2017, see here for information about the previous Pap test results.
From December 1 2017, the cervical screening test replaced the Pap test as the method of screening women to prevent cervical cancer in Australia.
- Discover how cervical screening has changed
Did you know?
The Cervical Screening Test prevents cervical cancer by looking for the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the cause of almost all cervical cancers.
Even if you were to develop an HPV infection the day after your test, you would still be at low risk, as it can take 10–to15 years for cervical cancer to develop following infection with HPV.
Australia has the second lowest rate of cervical cancer in the world, largely due to the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP)[2].
Can I have a Cervical Screening Test if I’m pregnant?
Yes, the Cervical Screening Test is safe for pregnant women.
[1] World Health Organisation. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Factsheet. WHO. [Online] 3 September 2010. [Cited: 19 May 2015.] http://www.who.int/immunization/topics/hpv/en/
[2] National Cervical Screening Program. Available at: http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/healthcare-providers
