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The way cervical screening occurs in Australia is changing.

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Every year around 800 Australian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer

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and about 250 die from the disease.

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80% of women who get cervical cancer have never been screened

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or have not screened regularly.

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Most cervical cancer is preventable.

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In fact, early detection of changes to the cervix can lead to early treatment.

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This means better outcomes, better chances of survival.

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In 2017, the changes to the way cervical screening is delivered in Australia

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are expected to save up to 30% more lives.

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The Pap test is being replaced with a Cervical Screening Test.

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In the past, the 2-yearly Pap test looked for changes in the cells of the cervix.

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The new test looks for the human papillomavirus

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(known as HPV) that causes nearly all cervical cancers.

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HPV is a common virus transmitted through sexual activity.

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The body normally clears the virus itself.

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When it is persistent, cells can change and cervical cancer can develop.

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This can take more than 10 years.

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The new test is more effective at detecting women at risk of developing

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cervical cancer by detecting HPV.

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Even if you have had the HPV vaccine,

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you will need cervical screening because the vaccine does not protect you

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from all the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

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If you have HPV, your sample will be examined again to look for abnormal cells

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and your health care professional will discuss the results and next steps with you.

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The way your sample is collected by your health care professional won't change.

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Women who have not screened regularly may be eligible for an alternative way to collect a sample,

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so ask your health care professional at your next appointment if this is an option for you.

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If you don't have HPV, you'll only need to have this test every 5 years

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because you are at low risk of developing cervical cancer before your next test.

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The National Cancer Screening Register will invite you to have a Cervical Screening Test

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when you are next due.

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So, if you're aged between 25 and 74 years of age,

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ask your health care professional about the new Cervical Screening Test

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- it could save your life.