Jump to information about:
- What is the Cervical Screening Test and why it is important
- How cervical screening prevents cancer
- Everything you need to know about cervical screening – when to have it, where to get it, how much it costs and more
Key facts about the test
For all women
aged 25 - 74
Simple and quick
Have the test every
five years
Expected to reduce
cervical cancer rates
and deaths by 30%.1
What is the Cervical Screening Test?
The Cervical Screening Test is a quick and simple procedure that looks for an infection called human papillomavirus (HPV).
The test is performed by a doctor or nurse. You also have the option to collect your own sample for a Cervical Screening Test. This is called self-collection.
Learn more about self-collection and talk to your doctor or nurse if you are interested in this option.
Why is it important?
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV infection that does not clear up.[1]
Most women with an HPV infection will not have symptoms. If an HPV infection does not clear up it can cause cells in the cervix to change. In rare cases, these cell changes can develop into cervical cancer— usually over a period of 10 to 15 years.
If you are aged between 25-74, have a cervix and have ever been sexually active, getting the Cervical Screening Test every five years protects against cervical cancer.
More than 70% of cervical cancers occurred in women who have never been screened or are not up-to-date with their cervical screening.[2]
How does screening prevent cervical cancer?
Regular cervical screening prevents cervical cancer by detecting HPV. If HPV is found, the test looks for any cell changes in the cervix.
Almost all cervical cancer is caused by persistent HPV infection that goes undetected.1
Regular cervical screening identifies women and people with a cervix who have HPV and are at an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. These women can be monitored and have further tests and treatment, if necessary.
In the small number of cases where cervical cancer is detected, early diagnosis through screening greatly improves the chances of treatment being successful.
Learn more about cervical screening
What is cervical screening self-collection and how does it work? Your questions answered.
You can have your Cervical Screening Test any time during your menstrual cycle.
You can book a test with your local doctor or nurse. You can also choose to collect your own sample.
The test is free for many eligible women aged 25 to 74. However, your doctor or health provider may charge a small fee.
Find out what to expect at your appointment whether you choose a healthcare provider to collect your sample or to collect it yourself.
Feeling worried or anxious about your Cervical Screening Test? Read our tips to help make you feel more at ease.
Find out what your test results mean, what to do if your test result is positive for HPV and what other tests are needed.
Find cervical screening information for people with specific needs such as a disability, hearing impairment and during pregnancy.
Find answers to your questions about cervical screening for women and people with a cervix aged 25–74.
Find answers to your questions about the Cervical Screening Test for women and people with a cervix under 25.