The new 5 yearly cervical screening test for Australian women aged 25 to 74 arrived in recent years, replacing the previous 2 yearly pap smear test. But what does this mean for you? What if you’re under 25?  And is this new test better than the old one? Here are the key facts:

What is the new cervical screening test?

• The cervical screening test is a new test offered to Australian women aged 25 to 74
• It is carried out the same way as a standard pap smear- the doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina and takes a sample of cells from the cervix with a brush.
• However, the new cervical screening test checks the cervix for HPV (human papilloma virus).
• HPV is by far the most common cause of cervical cancer.
• The old pap smear used to check a woman’s cervical cells for changes, but did not routinely check for the presence of HPV.
• If HPV is detected, women will get appropriate follow up to make sure they don’t get cervical cancer.

Who should have a cervical screening test?

• It’s recommended for all Australian women aged 25 to 74, who have ever been sexually active- even if it’s been quite a few years ago.
• It is still recommended for women who have had the HPV vaccine, as the vaccine does not give 100% protection.
• Women who have sex with women should also get tested.
• It’s not needed if your cervix has been removed as part of a hysterectomy.

Why does the new cervical screening test start at 25, and not 18 as it used to?

Research shows that it’s safe to start cervical screening at 25 years. There are a few reasons for this.

• Most women and men under 25 in Australia have had the HPV vaccine
• Women under 25 who do get HPV infection tend to clear it quickly without treatment in any case, as their immune systems are generally strong and healthy.
• Cervical cancer under the age of 25 is very rare. And it’s been shown that the previous standard pap smear test was not actually effective at reducing the rate of cervical cancer in this age group.

What do the results mean?

• Return to screen in five years – this mean your test was normal
• Return to screen in 12 months – this means you have HPV infection, however it is likely to be cleared naturally by your body within a year. If the repeat test at 12 months is normal, you will be advised to return to five yearly screening. If the repeat test shows you still have HPV infection, you may need further tests.
• Unsatisfactory test – this just means the sample couldn’t be read, and you’ll need to have the test repeated in the coming 2-3 months.
• Referral to specialist – this will be advised if you have certain types of HPV or if abnormal cells are detected. You are likely to have a colposcopy, which is a test that allows a gynaecologist to examine the cervix in more detail. If the colposcopy shows any changes of concern, you may need laser treatment to remove any abnormal cells, and to prevent cervical cancer.

And some more important advice

• It’s important to understand that if you test positive for HPV at any point, it does NOT mean you have cervical cancer. But you may be at increased risk- and that’s why you’ll be asked to follow up with your doctor or specialist.
• And remember- if at any point you have unexpected vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, pelvic pain or pain during sex, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible- there are a number of serious conditions that will need to be ruled out.

If you’re confused about the new cervical screening test or about a test result you have received, speak to your doctor. You can also find more useful information from the Australian cervical screening website