WOMEN'S HEALTH

Cervical Screening

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening is a test to see if there are any abnormal changes in the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus. This test is designed to check for the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection. Most HPV infections will clear up by themselves and not cause any trouble but some types, if left unmanaged, can lead to the development of cervical cancer 10-15 years later.

Thankfully, with the HPV vaccine and cervical screening (which used to be called a pap smear) cervical cancer is becoming less common in Australia.

Who should have the cervical screening test?

Women and people with a uterus who are aged between 25 years and 74 years should get tested, if they have had sex. Even if you are not currently having sex with someone, if you have ever had sexual contact you should still be screened.

It is recommended that you have the cervical screening test every 5 years.

How is the cervical screening test performed?

You can go to your local GP or other health care provider for the test. It involves a speculum examination. This means a small brush with tiny bristles will be inserted into your vagina to gently scrape the cells inside. The cells are then sent off for testing. This can be a little uncomfortable but should not be painful.

Remember, you can ask for things to make the test more comfortable for you. For example, you might feel more comfortable with a female health professional. You can ask for a family member or friend to be present is you want their support.

Read Transcript

So there are more than 100 types of HPV. But the three that we are obsessed with, or the ones that we are obsessed with more, and the ones that are called "oncogenic" ones. And you would have heard of the cervical screening test that is done every 5 years in Australia; we are trying to see if the women has that when we examine the cervix, by the lab. And if that tested positive then there are certain things that we do in that space. But that's another virus that we are trying to minimise people carrying by encouraging vaccinations.

So another question I commonly get asked is "should we let our children get vaccinated?" And I would say to you, "most definitely, yes." This vaccination is quite safe for HPV, which is offered in our schools as part of the national immunisation program and it basically has been one of the biggest success stories in medicine, minimising cervical cancer. Both in terms of the cervical screening program that we are so luck to enjoy in Australia, and also from the prevention used. So hopefully we are having a younger cohort coming through that will not have nearly the rates of cervical cancer that previously have been seen.

What should people know about HPV and cervical screening?

HPV can stay in the body for a long time.
It is possible to have HPV even if you have only had sex with the same partner, not multiple partners.
Most people will have encountered HPV at some point in their life without knowing they have it. The presence of HPV does not mean your partner is not faithful.