Cervical cancer is among the most preventable forms of cancer, and cervical screenings are crucial for the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Most cervical cancer cases occur in women who either don’t undergo regular screenings or have never been screened.
In 2017, Australia introduced a new more accurate way of protecting women against cervical cancer called the Cervical Screening Test. This advanced screening test is expected to protect almost one-third MORE women from cervical cancer compared to the previous Pap smear.
Cervical cancer is a cancer that develops in the cervix - the entrance to the womb from the vagina.
The development of cervical cancer is linked to abnormal changes in the cells lining the cervix. If these abnormal cells grow and multiply, they can evolve into cancer.
The Pap smear aimed to identify abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that could potentially turn into cervical cancer.
The Cervical Screening Test looks and feels the same, however this test detects the risk of cervical cancer at an earlier stage by searching for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of almost all cervical cancer cases.
The Cervical Screening Test can identify women at risk significantly earlier than the Pap smear, as it detects HPV infection, which typically precedes abnormal cell changes leading to cancer.
On average, it takes 10-15 years of persistent HPV infection to cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix which could lead to cervical cancer. As this new screening process detects HPV so early on, the new test's frequency is reduced to once every five years instead of every 2 years with the Pap smear.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) spread through genital skin to skin contact. HPV is incredibly common with 8 out of 10 sexually active adults having HPV infection at some point in their lives.
Whilst most HPV infections resolve on their own without symptoms, if your body is unable to clear the infection, it can cause abnormal cell changes that can, if left untreated, become cervical cancer.
Women aged 25 to 74 who have ever been sexually active with a person of any gender are recommended to do a Cervical Screening Test every five years.
You need to have a Cervical Screening Test regardless of if you:
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have no symptoms
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have had the HPV vaccination
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have gone through menopause
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haven’t been sexually active for a long time
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have had only one sexual partner
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have only had non-penetrative sex (e.g. oral sex)
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are gay, lesbian, bisexual or queer
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are gender diverse or non-binary and have a cervix
The Cervical Screening Test involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix and screening it for the presence of HPV. Unlike the Pap smear, there are now 2 ways you can do your test.
Option 1: Self Collection
You can collect the sample on your own from your vagina using a small swab.
Option 2: Clinician Collection
Your doctor or nurse can collect the sample from your cervix using a speculum and a small brush.
Both options are equally accurate at detecting HPV, so you can choose whatever option is right for you.
Once you have completed your Cervical Screening Test, the sample is sent to a laboratory for HPV testing.
If your test comes back negative for HPV, you can return for your next test in five years.
If your test comes back positive for HPV, your healthcare provider will let you know what further monitoring or testing needs to be done.
It’s important to note that a positive result does not necessarily indicate cervical cancer.
In an era of incredible medical advances and accessible services, prioritizing our health is paramount. Regular screenings save lives, and early detection enables early intervention.
