Three things to know about cervical screening

• There are two ways to have a cervical screening test.
  You can choose to:
  • take your own sample, or
  • have your healthcare provider collect the sample.
• The best protection against cervical cancer is regular cervical screening.
  Most people who develop cervical cancer have either never screened or do not screen regularly. Speak to your healthcare provider to check if you're up to date with your cervical screening.
• Discuss your options with a healthcare provider.
  Any healthcare provider who offers cervical screening (nurses, GPs, gynaecologists) can help you decide which option is best for you. It is important to find a healthcare provider you trust at a service where you feel comfortable. Visit where can I have a cervical screening test? (external site) to find one that meets your needs.

Want to find out when your next cervical screening test is due?

Your healthcare provider will be able to tell you when you're next due, or you can contact the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR). The NCSR is a confidential database of cervical test results. Contact the NCSR on 1800 627 701 or visit National Cancer Screening Register (external site).

Do I need cervical screening?

All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years who have ever had any sexual contact should have regular cervical screening.

This includes those who:

• feel well and have no symptoms
• are pregnant
• have been vaccinated against HPV
• are going through menopause
• no longer have periods
• have not had sexual contact for a long time
• have only ever had one sexual partner
• have an intellectual or physical disability
• only have sex with women
• are transgender, gender diverse or non-binary and have a cervix.

Cervical screening is for women and people with a cervix who are well without any unusual signs or symptoms.

See your healthcare provider immediately if at any age you have symptoms, such as:

• vaginal bleeding after sex
• bleeding between periods
• vaginal bleeding after menopause
• unusual vaginal discharge
• continual pain during sex.

If you are unsure of when you are due to screen, please speak with your healthcare provider or contact the National Cancer Screening Register (external site) on 1800 627 701.

More about the campaign

All women and people with a cervix under the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) are able to self-collect their own sample for cervical screening. This gives participants a choice in the screening method – either clinician-collected or self-collected. Universal access to self-collection has the potential to mitigate some of the cultural and personal barriers that may discourage some people from screening, especially:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women
• culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• people who identify as LGBTIQ+
• people with disabilities
• people who have experienced sexual violence
• post-menopausal women; and
• people who have had previous negative cervical screening experiences.

This campaign is focussed on maximising the uptake of cervical screening by increasing the awareness of cervical screening options. With two options for cervical screening, this campaign is a strong reminder for women and people with a cervix to prioritise their health by booking their cervical screening test.