In short: The Cervical Screening Test checks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. It is recommended every 5 years for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74. You can now choose to collect your own sample (self-collection) or have a healthcare provider collect it. Regular screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
What Is the Cervical Screening Test?
The Cervical Screening Test is a simple test offered through Australia's National Cervical Screening Program. It replaced the older Pap test in 2017. Instead of looking for abnormal cells first, the Cervical Screening Test looks for HPV — the human papillomavirus — because persistent HPV infection is what can lead to cervical cancer over many years.
If HPV is found, the same sample is usually examined further to check for any cell changes, so your GP can advise whether you need follow-up. Finding and monitoring these changes early is what makes screening so effective.
Who Should Have Cervical Screening?
Cervical screening is recommended for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 who have ever been sexually active. You are due for your first test at age 25, and then every 5 years if your results are normal.
You should still take part in screening even if you:
- Have had the HPV vaccine — the vaccine does not protect against every type of HPV, so screening is still important
- Are no longer sexually active, or have only had one partner
- Have gone through menopause
- Are pregnant (your GP will advise on timing)
If you have symptoms such as unusual bleeding (including after sex or between periods), unusual discharge or pelvic pain, see your GP regardless of when your last screening was — these should be assessed on their own.
How Often Do I Need It?
For most people with a normal result, the Cervical Screening Test is needed every 5 years. This is a longer interval than the old two-yearly Pap test, and it is safe because the HPV test is more accurate at predicting risk. If your result shows HPV, your GP will explain whether you need an earlier repeat test or further assessment.
Self-Collection vs Clinician-Collected: What's the Difference?
You now have a choice in how your sample is taken, and both options are accurate for detecting HPV:
- Self-collection — you collect your own sample from your vagina using a simple swab, in private, at the clinic. Many people find this more comfortable.
- Clinician-collected — your healthcare provider collects a sample from your cervix using a speculum, similar to the older test.
Your GP can talk you through both options and help you decide which is right for you. Either way, you will need a consultation with your healthcare provider to arrange the test.
What Happens During the Test and Afterwards?
The test itself is quick. If you choose self-collection, your GP or nurse will explain how to take the swab and give you privacy. If you choose clinician-collection, a speculum is used to take the sample, which usually takes only a few minutes.
Your sample is sent to a laboratory, and results are typically available a few weeks later. Results are sent back to the clinic where you had the test and recorded on the National Cancer Screening Register, which also sends reminders when you are next due.
What Do the Results Mean?
Most results show no HPV, meaning you can return to routine screening in 5 years. If HPV is found, it does not mean you have cancer — HPV is very common and often clears on its own. It does mean your GP will recommend either a repeat test in 12 months or referral for a closer look (a colposcopy), depending on the findings. Your GP will explain your individual result and next steps.
Cervical Screening at Our Truganina Clinic
Our GPs provide cervical screening, including self-collection, in a private and respectful setting as part of our women's health and cervical screening services. We can check when you are next due, discuss your options, and arrange follow-up if needed.
To book, book an appointment online or call us on (03) 9958 6699.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need a Cervical Screening Test?
For most people with a normal result, cervical screening is recommended every 5 years, from age 25 to 74. If your test shows HPV, your GP may recommend an earlier repeat test or further assessment. You should see your GP sooner if you develop symptoms such as unusual bleeding, discharge or pelvic pain, regardless of when you were last screened.
What is the difference between the Cervical Screening Test and a Pap test?
The Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap test in Australia in 2017. The old Pap test looked for abnormal cells every two years, while the Cervical Screening Test looks for HPV — the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers — every five years. The HPV test is more accurate at predicting risk, which is why screening is now needed less often.
What is self-collection for cervical screening?
Self-collection lets you take your own sample from your vagina using a simple swab, in private, at the clinic. It is just as accurate as a clinician-collected sample for detecting HPV and many people find it more comfortable. You still need a consultation with your healthcare provider to arrange it, and they can guide you through the process.
Do I still need cervical screening if I've had the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers, but not every type, so screening is still recommended. Vaccination and regular screening work together to give you the best protection against cervical cancer.
What does it mean if HPV is found in my screening test?
Finding HPV does not mean you have cancer. HPV is very common and your immune system often clears it on its own. It does mean your GP will recommend follow-up — usually a repeat test in 12 months or a closer examination called a colposcopy — to monitor for any cell changes. Your GP will explain your specific result and what happens next.
At what age should I start cervical screening?
Cervical screening starts at age 25 for women and people with a cervix who have ever been sexually active, and continues to age 74. If you have symptoms such as unusual bleeding or discharge before age 25, you should still see your GP to have them assessed.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- Healthdirect Australia — Cervical screening test
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — National Cervical Screening Program
- Cancer Council Australia — Cervical cancer screening
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have symptoms or concerns, please see your GP regardless of when you were last screened.
