Protect Your Health with Regular Screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — but only if it is detected early. For women aged 25 and over, regular cervical cancer screening is a vital part of protecting your health. Screening tests can identify changes in the cervix long before cancer develops, giving you the best chance for early treatment and prevention.

Why Cervical Screening Is Important

Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Often, HPV infections don’t cause symptoms and clear up on their own. However, in some cases, they can lead to changes in the cells of the cervix, which may develop into cancer if left untreated.

Regular cervical screening can detect HPV and early cell changes, allowing for monitoring or treatment before cancer develops. Staying up to date with your screenings dramatically lowers your risk of cervical cancer.

Who Should Be Screened?

• Women and people with a cervix aged 25–74 should have a Cervical Screening Test every five years.
• If you have had the HPV vaccine, you still need regular screening, as the vaccine doesn’t protect against all cancer-causing HPV types.
• If you are 25–29 and sexually active, it’s particularly important to start screening on time, even if you feel healthy. If you have symptoms like unusual bleeding, discharge, or pain, speak to your doctor — don’t wait for your next scheduled test.

About the Cervical Screening Test

Since 2017, the traditional Pap smear has been replaced with the more accurate Cervical Screening Test. The test:

• Looks for HPV infection, which can cause cell changes before they become cancerous.
• Is done in a similar way to a Pap smear.
• Is needed only every five years if your results are normal.

Can now be done as either a clinician-collected test or a self-collected sample in many clinics. The Cervical Screening Test is quick, simple, and could save your life.

Take Charge of Your Wellbeing

Keeping up with your cervical screenings is a small commitment that has a powerful impact on your long-term health. Early detection leads to early action and better outcomes.

For more information about when and how to get screened, visit the National Cervical Screening Program website.

You can also access ready-to-use resources and campaign materials in the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care cervical screening stakeholder toolkit.