Cervical screening

Having regular cervical screening tests every five years is the best way to protect yourself against cervical cancer. The cervical screening test is a simple test that works by looking for human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common infection that can cause cervical cell changes that may develop into cervical cancer.

By detecting a HPV infection early, it allows your healthcare provider to monitor the infection and intervene if required. Even if you have had the the HPV vaccination, you should still have regular cervical screening.

If you are due for a cervical screening test you can either:

  • collect your own cells from your vagina, in private, using a long-handled cotton swab (called self-collection)
  • have a healthcare provider collect the sample (called clinician collected). This means a doctor or nurse will use a speculum to obtain cells from the cervix.

Both options are accurate and safe ways to detect HPV.

Listing

  • How to do a self-collection test in three easy steps

    The self-collection test is painless, accurate, and easy.

  • Where to access a cervical screening test

    Find options for accessing cervical screening services.

  • Self-collection and cervical screening frequently asked questions

    Having regular cervical screening tests every five years is the best way to protect yourself against cervical cancer.

  • Cervical screening for priority population groups

    Information to support cervical screening for multicultural communities, people with disability and trans and gender diverse people.

  • Cervical screening and menopause

    Menopause is when menstruation has not occurred for 12 months, commonly occurring between 45 and 55 years of age (but can occur at a younger age). The levels of oestrogen and progesterone hormones change at this time.

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