Cervical screening and menopause

Yes. The National Cervical Screening Program recommends all women between the age of 25 and 74 have regular cervical screening tests to reduce the likelihood of developing cervical cancer.

You should still continue regular screening after menopause even if you are no longer sexually active or only had one partner.

After menopause, you may be reluctant to have a screening test. Changes to oestrogen levels may cause vaginal dryness, which could affect how comfortable your cervical screening test feels. If you are concerned about this talk with your healthcare provider as they may have suggestions to help make it more comfortable.

One option is to take a self-collection cervical screening test, provided you are under 75 and do not have any symptoms such as unusual bleeding, pain, or discharge. If you are unsure about whether any of these apply to you, please see your healthcare provider.

A self-collection test involves inserting a long handled cotton bud a few centimetres into your vagina. You do not need to insert a speculum or find your cervix. You can do it yourself in private at your healthcare clinic, or have your GP or nurse collect the sample. Self-collection might be a preferred option if you have found the test painful, uncomfortable or painful in the past.

How to do self-collection in 3 easy steps

You can still choose to have your healthcare provider collect your sample. Both options are accurate, safe and effective.

If you have not had your cervix removed, you should still continue to have regular cervical screening. If your cervix has been removed (total hysterectomy), you should consult with your doctor about your individual situation and whether you need to continue screening. If you are unsure what type of hysterectomy you have had, discuss this with your doctor.

There are many reasons why you may still be required to have screening tests, including if you:

• haven't had a cervical screening test before
• had a hysterectomy as part of treatment for a high-grade cervical abnormality
• had a cervical abnormality detected when you had your hysterectomy
• are currently under surveillance for a previous high-grade cervical abnormality.

Exit testing is the final cervical screening test recommended before safely stopping five yearly screening. All women and people with a cervix should have an exit test between 70-74 years of age. If human papillomavirus (HPV) is not detected, your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low and you can safely stop cervical screening (meaning you won't be reminded to screen afterwards).

Research shows a persistent HPV infection can take more than 10-15 years to develop into cervical cancer. For most people, HPV naturally clears within 1-2 years.

If you are between 70 and 74 years old, you can safely stop cervical screening if no cancer-causing HPV was found in your exit test.

If you are 75 years or older and have never had a cervical screening test, or haven't had one in the previous five years, you can request a test with your healthcare provider. The sample can be collected by your clinician or self-collected, depending on your preference.

You should receive a reminder letter about exit testing from the National Cervical Screening Register.

If you haven't had a regular cervical screening or have had an abnormal result from a recent test, you may need to continue cervical screening tests.

No matter what age you are, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience:

• bleeding after sex
• bleeding between periods
• bleeding after menopause
• unusual vaginal discharge
• continual pain during sex.