Cervical screening: what to expect and how often
It's one of the most effective ways to protect your health, and it's changed for the better. This covers what the Cervical Screening Test involves, how often you need it, and the newer self-collection option that many people find more comfortable.
What is the Cervical Screening Test?
The Cervical Screening Test (CST) replaced the Pap smear in Australia in 2017. Instead of just looking at cells, it tests for human papillomavirus (HPV), the common virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. Because HPV shows up before any cell changes, the test can pick up risk earlier, which is why it's only needed every five years rather than every two.
Who needs it, and how often?
Cervical screening is recommended for everyone with a cervix aged 25 to 74 who has ever been sexually active. If your results are normal, you'll be due again in 5 years. Your doctor and the National Cervical Screening Program can send you a reminder. If a test finds HPV, your doctor will explain the next steps, which may simply be a repeat test sooner.
Self-collection: a newer, more comfortable option
One of the biggest recent changes is that self-collection is now available to everyone eligible. With guidance from your doctor or nurse, you use a simple swab yourself, in private. It's just as accurate for detecting HPV as a clinician-collected sample, and for many people (including those who've found screening uncomfortable or put it off), it makes all the difference.
The test that helps most is the one you actually do, and self-collection makes it easier to stay up to date.
What to expect
The whole appointment is quick and private. If you choose a clinician-collected sample, the test takes just a minute or two; if you self-collect, your doctor or nurse will show you exactly what to do and give you privacy. You can ask for a female doctor, and let us know your preferred language so you feel completely comfortable.
When to see a doctor sooner
Don't wait for your next screening if you have unusual bleeding (between periods, after sex, or after menopause), unusual discharge, or pelvic pain. These aren't usually serious, but they should always be checked.
Due for your cervical screening?
Book with one of our female GPs, in English, Cantonese or Mandarin. Online, seven days a week.
How Sirius Health can help
Our female GPs provide cervical screening in a calm, respectful way, including self-collection, and can care for you in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, so nothing gets lost in translation during an appointment that's personal. It's exactly the kind of preventive care that's easy to keep putting off, and easy to tick off once you're here.
Sources: healthdirect · Cervical Screening Test; National Cervical Screening Program (Australian Government).