What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening is a simple way to check the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening of your womb (uterus) at the top of the vagina.

The cervical screening test checks for human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a virus spread through sexual intercourse. It can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes can sometimes lead to cervical cancer.

Routine cervical screening can protect you against cervical cancer. In Australia, most people diagnosed with cervical cancer had never been screened or were not up to date with screening.

The cervical screening test has replaced the Pap test (or ‘Pap smear’). The Pap test was offered every 2 years. The new cervical screening test is usually recommended every 5 years.

Who should have a cervical screening test?

You should have a cervical screening test if you:

• are aged between 25 and 74 years
• have ever had sex
• have a cervix

If you’ve had a Pap test in the past, your first cervical screening test should be 2 years after your last Pap test.

What if I’m younger than 25 years?

Most people should start cervical screening at 25 years of age. There is no extra benefit to testing before.

If you have symptoms of cervical cancer you may need a test, even if you’re younger than 25 years. Symptoms may include vaginal bleeding after sex or between periods.

If you’ve had a Pap smear in the past and received an abnormal test result, follow your doctor's advice.

Can I have a cervical screening test during pregnancy?

Cervical screening is safe during pregnancy and should not be delayed if you are pregnant.

Is there any danger to my baby?

It’s safe to have a cervical screening test during pregnancy. You may have some bleeding after the test. This will not harm you or your baby.

To reduce your chance of bleeding, your doctor will use a tool called a cyto-broom.

When should I see my doctor?

Talk to your doctor if you:

• are between 25 years and 74 years of age and due or overdue for a cervical screening test
• have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• notice any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer, at any age
• you have had a cervical screening test and are worried about your symptoms

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Where can I get a cervical screening test?

You can have a cervical screening test done by your doctor or midwife. You can also choose to do the test yourself. This is called ‘self-collection’.

What happens during a cervical screening test?

If your doctor or midwife is doing the test, they will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. This allows them to see your cervix clearly.

They will use a small tool called a cyto-broom to gently brush your cervix to collect the sample.

Self-collection cervical screening

Self-collection is when you collect your own sample using a vaginal swab. Your doctor will explain how to do this. You can do the test in a private place at the health clinic.

Here’s how to do the test:

• Insert the swab a few centimetres into your vagina.
• Rotate the swab for 10 to 30 seconds.
• Remove the swab.

You might notice a small amount of bleeding or spotting after the test, but this is normal.

If your test is positive, your doctor will ask you to have another test done by a health professional. This is because the self-collection test only checks for HPV. It does not check for changes in the cells of your cervix.

You cannot do a self-collection test if you previously had an abnormal result on a cervical screening test.

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What does a cervical screening test feel like?

The cervical screening test is very quick. It may feel a bit uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt.

What do my test results mean?

Your cervical screening test results will show if you have HPV or any changes in your cervical cells.

What does an abnormal result mean?

If your test shows you have HPV, you may need another test in 12 months. Your doctor might also refer you for a colposcopy. A colposcopy is safe during pregnancy. Having an HPV infection does not mean you will develop cervical cancer. Your body may clear the infection on its own without treatment.

If your test shows pre-cancerous changes, it’s usually safe to continue your pregnancy. It’s rare for this to develop into cancer during pregnancy.

If a cancer is found, a gynaecological cancer specialist will work with you to decide on the best treatment during pregnancy.

What does a normal result mean?

A normal test result means you don’t have HPV. All you need to do is go back for a routine cervical screening test in 5 years.

Resources and support

Talk to your doctor or midwife if you have any questions about cervical screening during pregnancy. For more information:

• Cancer Institute NSW offers information about cervical screening during pregnancy.
• The Department of Health and Aged Care offers information about the National Cervical Screening Program.
• The Department of Health and Aged Care also provides information about self-collection for the cervical screening test.
• Cancer Council offers information about cervical cancer screening.

Other languages

• The Department of Health and Aged Care has a video about the cervical screening test in languages other than English.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• The Department of Health and Aged Care offers information about the cervical screening test for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.