Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is an important part of preventative women’s health and plays a key role in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. The Cervical Screening Test (CST) has replaced the traditional pap smear test in Australia and is designed to detect human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

Sexually active women aged 25 to 74 are generally recommended to have a cervical screening test every five years, even if they have received the HPV vaccine. Detecting HPV and abnormal cell changes early may help prevent cervical cancer from developing.

Many people ask, “what is cervical screening?” Cervical screening is a preventative health test used to detect the presence of HPV and identify women who may be at risk of developing cervical cancer.

The cervical screening test replaced the traditional pap smear in Australia because it is considered more effective at identifying HPV before abnormal cervical cell changes develop. If HPV is detected, further testing or monitoring may sometimes be recommended depending on the results.

A pap smear, also known as a pap smear test, was previously the standard cervical cancer screening test used to detect abnormal cervical cells.

While many people still use the term pap smear, the newer cervical screening test now focuses on detecting HPV infection first, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. The transition from pap smears to cervical screening reflects advances in understanding how cervical cancer develops and how it can be prevented.

Women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 74 who have ever been sexually active are generally recommended to participate in regular cervical screening.
This recommendation applies even if:

• You have received the HPV vaccine
• You no longer have periods
• You are no longer sexually active
• You feel healthy and have no symptoms

Regular cervical screening remains important because HPV infection can occur without symptoms and may persist for many years before causing abnormal cervical cell changes.

A cervical screening test is usually a quick procedure performed by a doctor or healthcare professional. During the test, a small sample of cells is collected from the cervix using a soft brush or swab.

Some patients may also be eligible for self-collection testing, depending on their circumstances and medical history. Your healthcare provider can discuss which testing option is most appropriate for you.

Most people find the procedure mildly uncomfortable rather than painful, and the test itself generally only takes a few minutes.

Most cervical screening results are normal and show either no HPV detected or a very low risk of cervical cancer.

If HPV or abnormal cells are identified, further investigations such as repeat testing or colposcopy may sometimes be recommended. Abnormal results do not necessarily mean cancer is present, but they may indicate that closer monitoring is needed.

Early detection through cervical screening significantly improves the ability to identify and manage abnormal cell changes before cervical cancer develops.

Persistent HPV infection is the main cause of cervical cancer. Regular cervical screening helps identify HPV and abnormal cervical cell changes early, often before symptoms develop.

Because cervical cancer can often be prevented through early detection and monitoring, maintaining routine cervical screening appointments remains one of the most effective ways to protect long-term cervical health.

If you are due for cervical screening, have questions about the cervical screening test, or would like to discuss symptoms or results, speaking with a healthcare professional can help you better understand your cervical health and screening options.

What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening is a preventative health test used to detect HPV infection and identify people at increased risk of cervical cancer before abnormal cell changes develop.

What is a pap smear?
A pap smear, or pap smear test, was the previous cervical cancer screening method used before the Cervical Screening Test replaced it in Australia.

How often should I have a cervical screening test?
Most sexually active women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 are recommended to have a cervical screening test every five years, even if vaccinated against HPV.

Is a cervical screening test painful?
Most people find cervical screening mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. The procedure is usually quick and only takes a few minutes.

Do I still need cervical screening if I had the HPV vaccine?
Yes. Even if you have received the HPV vaccine, regular cervical screening remains important because the vaccine does not protect against all HPV types linked to cervical cancer.