More accurate. Less often.
Cervical screening has changed in Australia. The Pap test has been replaced with a new Cervical Screening Test every five years.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. The new Cervical Screening Test is expected to protect up to 30% more women.
The test is a simple procedure to check the health of your cervix. It feels the same as the Pap test, but tests for the human papillomavirus (known as HPV). For most women aged 25 to 74 your first Cervical Screening Test is due two years after your last Pap test. After that, you will only need to have the test every five years if your result is normal.
Regular cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancer.
If you are due for testing, contact your healthcare provider to book an appointment. For more information about the National Cervical Screening Program call 13 15 56.
The renewed National Cervical Screening Program
The Renewal of the National Cervical Screening Program has been implemented.
The two yearly Pap test for people aged 18 to 69 will change to a five yearly human papillomavirus (HPV) test for people aged 25 to 74. People will be due for the first Cervical Screening Test two years after their last Pap test. The changes include:
- the Pap test will be replaced with the more accurate Cervical Screening Test
- the time between tests will change from two to five years
- the age at which screening starts will increase from 18 years to 25 years
- people aged 70 to 74 years will be invited to have an exit test.
More information on the National Cervical Screening Program is available on our FAQ page