Cervical Screening Test: what it is and why it matters

Australia has one of the most effective cervical screening programs in the world. Since the program began in 1991, the country's cervical cancer rate has halved. In December 2017, the test changed - and it's now even more effective. This article walks through what the current test is, who it's for, and how to start.

What changed in 2017: Pap test out, HPV test in

Until 2017, Australia used the Pap test - a check for abnormal cervical cells, repeated every two years, eligible from ages 18 to 69.

From December 2017, the program switched to the HPV test, repeated every five years, eligible from ages 25 to 74. Cancer Council Australia summarises why:

The change makes sense once you know what causes cervical cancer. Almost all cases come from a long-term infection with high-risk HPV. The Pap test looked for the cell changes the virus eventually causes; the HPV test looks for the virus itself, catching trouble years earlier.

Are you eligible?

You're eligible for cervical screening in Australia if all of the following are true:

• You are aged 25 to 74
• You have a cervix
• You have ever been sexually active

Cancer Council Australia is explicit:

In practice, that means:

• Trans men and non-binary people with a cervix: yes, this includes you
• Vaccinated against HPV: yes - the vaccine doesn't cover every high-risk type
• In a same-sex relationship: yes
• Past menopause: yes, until age 74

Self-collection: a real option since 2022

Since July 2022, Australia has offered self-collection as a fully equivalent alternative to clinician collection.

You collect your own sample using a simple swab, under healthcare provider guidance. Cancer Council Australia describes it:

For many people, self-collection removes the biggest barrier to screening: discomfort with the speculum exam, modesty concerns, or past medical trauma.

Important: self-collection isn't appropriate if you have symptoms (unusual bleeding, unusual discharge, or pain). Symptoms need a clinician examination, not a swab.

How often?

If your HPV test is normal (HPV not detected), the next screening is in five years.

The National Cancer Screening Register sends invitations and reminders by mail. If you've missed an invitation, you can call the NCSR on 1800 627 701 to check your status and get back on track.

What happens at the appointment

Most appointments take about ten minutes. You can request a female provider if that's important to you. The full process - what to wear, what happens in the room, what comes afterward - is covered in its own article: What to expect at your screening appointment.

What about your results?

You'll get your results, usually by SMS or letter, within a few weeks.

HPV detected does not mean cancer. It means the test caught something to follow up on, while there is plenty of time to act. The full breakdown is in Understanding your screening results.

How to book

Three ways to start:

1. Talk to your GP. Most appointments are bulk-billed. If you don't have a regular GP, any GP can do this.
2. No GP yet? Find a screening provider near you using our clinic finder.
3. Missed an invitation? Call the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701.