Cervical Screening

Cervical screening

Australia has one of the lowest rates of cervical cancer in the world. This is largely due to the success of the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) (external site), introduced in 1991 as a joint Australian, State and Territory Government initiative.

 

Cervical screening information

Regular cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancer. Most people who develop cervical cancer in Australia have either never screened or do not screen regularly.

In Australia, all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years who have ever had any sexual contact should have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years. Being screened regularly means that the human papillomavirus (HPV) and any changes it may cause to the cells of the cervix can be found early. These cell changes can then be monitored and, if needed, treated to prevent cervical cancer.

What is human papillomavirus (HPV)? 

There are many types of HPV infections and most are cleared naturally by the body’s immune system within one to two years without causing problems.

HPV is a very common infection that is spread through any sexual contact. HPV is so common that many people have it at some point in their lives and never know it as there are usually no symptoms.

In some cases, a HPV infection that is not cleared by the body can cause abnormal cervical cell changes. If left undetected and/or untreated, these changes can develop into cervical cancer. It usually takes more than 10 to 15 years for a persistent HPV infection to develop into cervical cancer.

Access the HealthyWA website (external site) for more information on HPV.

The HPV vaccine (external site) can protect against some types of cancer-causing HPV, including types 16 and 18. Since the HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV known to cause cervical cancer, HPV vaccinated women still need to have regular cervical screening.

National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Australia

The WACCPP welcomes the release of the National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer (Strategy), a pathway to achieve equitable elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2035. The Strategy includes objectives, pathways, and actions to meet three targets that will help Western Australia reach equitable elimination:

  • 90% of eligible people will be vaccinated against HPV – this includes girls and boys
  • 70% of eligible people will be screened every 5 years
  • 95% of eligible people will receive the best possible treatment for precancer and cancer

The full Strategy can be found on the National Cervical Screening Program website (external site).

Cervical screening for health professionals

For more information about cervical screening visit cervical screening for health professionals.

Last Updated: 15/10/2024