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Cervical screening is an important part of being healthy for yourself and your family.
The Pap Test has been replaced by the Cervical Screening Test because this is an improved, better test.[1] The Cervical Screening Test is expected to reduce cervical cancer cases and deaths by an additional 30%.[2]
The Cervical Screening Test is a quick and easy test that can help you avoid cervical cancer. Just one Cervical Screening Test every five years could save your life.
Aboriginal women's traditional role as strong leaders, nurturers and caregivers is an essential part of sharing the need for greater cervical screening participation and awareness in their communities.
Cervical screening is for well women with no symptoms who are aged 25 to 74.
There are two options for having a Cervical Screening Test:
A doctor or nurse can collect your sample for testing, or;
- You can collect your own sample for testing.
The test only takes a few minutes and is done in private. You can ask for a female doctor or nurse.
You can have the Cervical Screening Test at your family doctor’s practice, women’s health centre, Family Planning Clinic, AMS: Aboriginal Medical Service or you may know your local service as the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO).
You can also do your Cervical Screening Test as a part of your 715 health check.
"It’s important that Aboriginal women know that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.”
- Mandy Cutmore, a Gumbaynggirr woman and Aboriginal Health Worker, Hunter New England Local Health District.
Do you feel nervous or shameful about having a Cervical Screening Test?
A recent study by the Cancer Institute NSW has found a range of barriers around the low screening rates of Aboriginal women.
These include feeling nervous, shame, or not wanting someone you know doing your test.
We can help you find somewhere you will feel safe and comfortable.
Find where you can have a Cervical Screening Test >
Cervical screening is an important part of being healthy for yourself and your family.
The Pap Test has been replaced by the Cervical Screening Test because this is an improved, better test.[1] The Cervical Screening Test is expected to reduce cervical cancer cases and deaths by an additional 30%.[2]
The Cervical Screening Test is a quick and easy test that can help you avoid cervical cancer. Just one Cervical Screening Test every five years could save your life.
Aboriginal women's traditional role as strong leaders, nurturers and caregivers is an essential part of sharing the need for greater cervical screening participation and awareness in their communities.
Cervical screening is for well women with no symptoms who are aged 25 to 74.
There are two options for having a Cervical Screening Test:
A doctor or nurse can perform your test, or;
- You can collect your own sample for testing.
The test only takes a few minutes and is done in private. You can ask for a female doctor or nurse.
You can have the Cervical Screening Test at your family doctor’s practice, women’s health centre, Family Planning Clinic, AMS: Aboriginal Medical Service or you may know your local service as the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO).
You can also do your Cervical Screening Test as a part of your 715 health check.
"It’s important that Aboriginal women know that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.”
- Mandy Cutmore, a Gumbaynggirr woman and Aboriginal Health Worker, Hunter New England Local Health District.
Do you feel nervous or shameful about having a Cervical Screening Test?
A recent study by the Cancer Institute NSW has found a range of barriers around the low screening rates of Aboriginal women.
These include feeling nervous, shame, or not wanting someone you know doing your test.
We can help you find somewhere you will feel safe and comfortable.
Find where you can have a Cervical Screening Test >
Did you know?
In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are twice as likely to develop and four times more likely to die from cervical cancer than non-Indigenous women.[3]
Cervical screening prevents cervical cancer—so book your appointment today if you're due or overdue for a test.
Watch 'Your guide to cervical screening for Aboriginal women'
This short video looks at what the cervical screening process is, why it is important, and what to expect at your appointment.
Watch Your guide to cervical screening for Aboriginal women
This short video looks at what the cervical screening process is, why it is important, and what to expect at your appointment.
Frequently asked questions about cervical screening
Get answers to your questions
Cervical cancer is a cancer occurring in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) which opens into the vagina.
An infection called Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of almost all cervical cancers.[2]
A Cervical Screening Test is due every five years following a normal (HPV not found) test result.
If you've never had cervical screening, and you are 25-74 years of age, book your Cervical Screening Test now.
Not sure when you're due for your next Cervical Screening Test? Contact your doctor or call the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701.
Cervical screening prevents cervical cancer by looking for human papillomavirus (HPV)— the cause of almost all cervical cancers.[2] If HPV is found, the test also looks for any abnormal cells.
If the test finds you have abnormal cells, they can be monitored and, if necessary, treated to prevent them from turning into cervical cancer.
HPV is a very common infection that most people will have at some point – it is transmitted through sexual activity.
HPV usually clears up on its own naturally within one to two years. However, in rare cases, HPV infection does not clear up and if untreated can cause abnormal cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. This process usually takes up to 10–15 years.
As human papillomavirus (HPV) does not usually cause any symptoms, most women with an infection will not even know they have it.
The Cervical Screening Test looks for HPV. If HPV is found, the test also looks for any abnormal cells changes which can be monitored and, if necessary, treated to prevent cervical cancer developing.
“We go get it done together, we are each other's support person… I'm the older cousin and she's very shy so I go be there with her because she doesn't like doing things on her own”
– Regularly screened, regional[4]
If you're aged 25–74 and have ever been sexually active (even with just one partner), you need to have a Cervical Screening Test every five years. This includes women who have already had the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine protects against some, but not all the HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer.
If you're overdue for screening or if you've never been screened, ask your Aboriginal Health Worker, doctor, or nurse about cervical screening today.
Cervical screening is for well women with no symptoms and is an important part of living a healthy life.
You will have two options for having a Cervical Screening Test:
- your doctor or nurse can collect your sample for testing, or;
- you can collect your own sample for testing.
Speak to your doctor or nurse about which option is right for you.
If you experience any symptoms, such as unusual bleeding or pain, you should see your doctor straight away rather than waiting to have your next Cervical Screening Test.
When you arrive for your Cervical Screening Test, the nurse or doctor will take you to a private room, where they’ll talk to you about the two options for having a Cervical Screening Test and explain what it involves. From there you can decide which option is best for you.
“The nurse gave a lot of detail that was great, it makes you at ease knowing what's going on”
– Regularly screened, regional[4]
Learn more about what happens at a cervical screening appointment >
All women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 have two options for having a Cervical Screening Test.
One option is to have a healthcare provider collect your sample for testing. The other option is to collect your own sample for testing.
A self-collected sample is just as safe, effective and accurate as a sample collected by a doctor or nurse.
Speak to your doctor or nurse about which option is right for you.
After your test, the sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing to look for any HPV. Your doctor or nurse will explain to you how you will get your results.
The good news is, if HPV is not found in your sample, your next Cervical Screening Test will be in five years.
If HPV is found in your sample, your doctor or nurse will let you know what you will need to do next.
You can have your Cervical Screening Test at many places, including:
- Your GP or local doctor's clinic.
- Women’s health centre or clinic.
- Family Planning Clinic.
- Aboriginal Medical Service.
- An Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.
- Family planning clinic.
It's OK to choose someone who is not your usual doctor if this will make you feel more comfortable.
If you're feeling anxious about the test, tell the nurse or doctor how you feel.
You may also want to take a support person along with you, such as a family member or friend.
Possible cervical screening results include:
- Return to screen in five years.
- Unsatisfactory result.
- Repeat test in 12 months.
- Refer to specialist.
Return to screen in five years
Your Cervical Screening Test show your results are normal which means you do not have Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The National Cervical Screening Program will send you an invitation to have your next test in five years’ time.
Unsatisfactory result
If the result of your Cervical Screening Test was ‘unsatisfactory’, it does not mean there is something wrong. An unsatisfactory result means your sample could not be tested properly by the laboratory.
If your result is unsatisfactory, you will be asked to come back for another Cervical Screening Test in six to twelve weeks.
If you undertook self-collection, you may need to have a Cervical Screening Test with a health professional next time.
Repeat test in 12 months
Your test shows you that you have an HPV infection. Your body will most likely get rid of the infection in the next 12 months, so you should repeat the test in 12 months' time to make sure it's completely gone.
If the HPV infection is gone 12 months later, you can return for another cervical screening again in five years.
If the repeat test shows that HPV is still present, you may need further investigation by a specialist.
Refer to specialist
Your test has shown that you have a type of HPV that needs further investigation by a specialist, or that your have an HPV infection and some cervical cell changes that need to be checked by a specialist to decide if you need treatment.
This result does not mean you have cervical cancer. It takes a long time to develop cancer after an HPV infection, and it is not common.
It is important that you follow the instructions of your healthcare provider if you receive this result.
Want to know more about cervical screening?
For more information on cervical screening such as fact sheets, videos and visual guides on how to take your own sample.
Visit the National Cervical Screening Program to access these resources for Aboriginal women >
