A negative test result…
means that the test did not find any human papillomavirus (HPV) in your sample. You will receive a reminder letter in five years to return to screen again.
What is cervical screening?
The National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) invites women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years of age to have a Cervical Screening Test every five years through their healthcare provider.
Why do the Cervical Screening Test?
A Cervical Screening Test is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. The Cervical Screening Test looks for human papillomavirus (HPV) in the body. Most cases of HPV clear up naturally on their own, but persistent HPV infection can cause abnormal cervical cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer -this usually takes a long time, about 10 to 15 years.
Cervical screening can prevent the development of cervical cancer by finding HPV early, before it has the chance to cause abnormal cell changes or cervical cancer.
Who is eligible for National Cervical Screening Program?
You are eligible for cervical screening if you are:
- a woman or person with a cervix
- aged between 25 and 74
- sexually active or ever have been sexually active, and
- have a Medicare card and entitlement type of either Australian citizen, permanent migrant or register as a Department of Veteran Affairs customer
You should still participate in screening even if you:
- feel well and have no symptoms
- are pregnant
- have been vaccinated against HPV
- have been through menopause
- no longer have periods
- have not had sexual contact in a long time
- have only ever had one sexual partner
- are a person with disability
- only have sex with women
- are transgender or gender diverse and have a cervix
If you have had a full or partial hysterectomy, please check with your doctor about screening.
How does the Cervical Screening Test work?
There are two ways to have a Cervical Screening Test. You can choose to collect your own vaginal sample or have a healthcare provider collect your sample. Both options are equally accurate and safe.
If you have a healthcare provider collect your sample
- The test is done in a private and confidential space by a doctor, nurse, or healthcare worker.
- Your healthcare provider will insert a speculum into the vagina so that they can see the cervix.
- A small soft brush is used to collect a sample of cervical cells from your cervix. It may be a bit uncomfortable, but it should not hurt. You can ask your healthcare provider to stop at any time.
- Your healthcare provider will then send the sample to the laboratory for testing.
If you choose to collect your own sample
- Your healthcare provider will explain how to do the test and give you a sampling swab.
- You will be given a private place within the healthcare setting to collect your sample, such as a bathroom.
- You will collect a sample by inserting the swab a few centimetres inside the vagina and rotating it for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Your healthcare provider will then send the sample to the laboratory for testing.
- Your healthcare provider can help you collect the sample if required.
How to take your own Cervical Screening Test sample using the self-collection option
Understand the Cervical Screening Test in your language
Click the link for information in additional languages
Where can I go for a Cervical Screening Test?
Most general practices offer cervical screening. There are also several healthcare providers that specialise in women’s health and sexual health. It is important to find a healthcare provider you trust at a service where you feel comfortable. You can request a female healthcare provider when you book your appointment. Make sure you tell them if you would like to do the test yourself. Healthcare providers that may offer a Cervical Screening Test include:
- GP surgery
- Local medical centre
- Women’s health centre
- Aboriginal Health Service
- Community health centre
- Sexual health clinic
Visit Where can I have a Cervical Screening Test? on Healthy WA to find one that meets your needs.
What do your results mean?
An inconclusive test result...
doesn’t mean anything is wrong, it just means the laboratory could not properly read your sample. You’ll need to go back for a repeat Cervical Screening Test in six to 12 weeks.
A positive test result…
means that human papillomavirus (HPV) was found. This is common and doesn’t mean you have cancer. Your healthcare provider will discuss the next steps with you. Next steps will depend on how your test was taken and the type of HPV found. If you…
Collected your own sample and HPV was found
You will be recommended to have a cervical sample taken by a healthcare provider. This will check for any abnormal cervical cell changes.
OR
Have a type of HPV that needs to be monitored
Most HPV infections are cleared by the body within one to two years. Your healthcare provider will ask you to take a repeat test in 12 months that will check if your body has cleared the HPV infection.
OR
Have a type of HPV that needs further investigation and/or abnormal cervical cell changes
This does not mean you have cervical cancer. You will be referred to a specialist for a follow up test called a colposcopy.
Important things to remember
- Stay up to date. It’s easy to ensure you’re up to date with your cervical screening. Speak to your healthcare provider or visit the National Cancer Screening Register to find out when you’re next due.
- One test every five years can save your life. Regular cervical screening is the best protection against cervical cancer. Most people who develop cervical cancer have either never screened or do not screen regularly.
- Finding HPV does not mean you have cancer. HPV infections are very common and most will naturally clear up on their own in one or two years.
Contact your chosen healthcare provider to arrange your Cervical Screening Test today
Follow the link for more information
Are you a health professional?
View our information page for healthcare providers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?
HPV is the virus that causes most abnormal cervical cell changes and cervical cancers. Many people will have HPV at some stage in their life and never know, as there are usually no symptoms.
There are many types of HPV. Most are cleared by the body within one to two years.
If the body does not clear HPV, it can cause abnormal cervical cell changes. If left undetected and/or untreated, these changes can develop into cervical cancer.
It’s important to remember that HPV is very common, and you only need to engage in sexual activity once (with anyone) to be exposed. The best way to reduce your risk of cervical cancer is with regular cervical screening.
Is there a cost for the Cervical Screening Test?
The cost of your appointment depends on whether your chosen healthcare provider bulk bills, and whether they use a pathology lab that bulk bills Cervical Screening Tests through Medicare. If you are concerned about extra costs, check with your healthcare provider when making your appointment.
Can I pick up a swab from the pharmacy and collect my own sample at home?
No. Both Cervical Screening Test options can only be accessed through a healthcare provider.
Is the self-collected test less effective or accurate?
Evidence shows that doing a self-collected test is just as accurate and effective at detecting HPV as a healthcare provider collected sample.
Are there any signs or symptoms for cervical cancer?
In the early stages of cervical cancer there are often no signs or symptoms. This is why regular cervical screening is important.
Common symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- vaginal bleeding after sex
- bleeding between periods
- vaginal bleeding after menopause
- unusual vaginal discharge
- continual pain during sex
These symptoms do not mean you have cancer but if you have any of these symptoms it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Do not wait for your next screening.
I am feeling nervous about having a Cervical Screening Test, what can I do?
People can often feel anxious or nervous about having a Cervical Screening Test, especially if it is their first time. You may find it helpful to first meet with your healthcare provider to discuss any concerns you may have about the procedure or the results you might get.
When you are ready to have the test, there are some things you can do to make it more comfortable:
- You can bring a support person with you to your appointment.
- Wear clothes that are easy to remove from your lower body.
- If you are having a healthcare provider collected test: A sheet will be provided to you so that you can cover your lower body. If you are not provided a sheet, you can ask for one.
- If you are having a healthcare provider collected test and lying flat on your back feels uncomfortable, you can ask to sit up slightly.
- If you are unsure about doing your own self-collected test, you can ask your doctor or nurse for help.
Remember, the Cervical Screening Test should not be painful. You can ask your healthcare provider to stop at any time.
Gynaecological cancers brochure
This brochure contains information on gynaecological cancers, which includes cervical, uterine, ovarian, vaginal and vulval cancers.
Women and cancer brochure
This brochure contains information on cancers that affect women including how they develop, who is at risk, and how you can reduce your risk.