Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Routine cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancer. The Cervical Screening Test is expected to protect up to 30% more women.
National Cancer Screening Register
The National Cancer Screening Register supports Australia’s bowel and cervical screening programs. It enables a single electronic record for each person in Australia participating in cervical and bowel screening. It gives health care providers better access to quality health information and makes it easier for program participants to take control of their health.
More Information for You
The best way to stay healthy and strong is to have regular tests as part of your women’s health checks.
The Cervical Screening Test is a simple procedure. If you have ever had a Pap test, the way the procedure is done will feel the same.
The five-yearly Cervical Screening Test replaced the two-yearly Pap test. If you’re aged 25 to 74 you should have your first Cervical Screening Test two years after your last Pap test.
The Cervical Screening Test is more effective than the Pap test at preventing cervical cancers because it detects HPV. HPV is a common virus that can cause changes to cells in your cervix, which in rare cases can develop into cervical cancer.
This test can be performed by your GP, certified clinic nurse or women’s health centre. Once you have had your first Cervical Screening Test, you will only need to have one every five years instead of every two, if your results are normal.
Self-collection Update
From 1 July 2022, the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) will expand Cervical Screening Test options, offering self-collection as a choice to all people participating in cervical screening.
All NCSP participants aged 25-74 years old will have the choice to screen using either a self-collected vaginal sample or a clinician collected sample from the cervix, both accessed through a health care provider. Speak to your GP for more information.