Cervical screening
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Information for patients
On December 1, 2017,
cervical cancer screening in Australia changed from two-yearly Pap
testing to five-yearly HPV testing.
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Why has cervical screening changed?
We now know that 99% of cervical cancer is caused by persistent
infection with certain types of HPV (human papillomavirus).
HPV is a common infection in females and males, with hundreds of
different HPV types that affect different parts of the body.
Most HPV infections clear up by themselves without causing any
problems. However, if they aren't cleared naturally by the body,
some types of HPV can lead to the development of different
cancers.
Cervical cancer is most commonly associated with persistent
infection with HPV types 16 and 18. By switching to a test that
looks for these and other specific HPV types, we can identify the
presence of these HPV infections, often before any cellular changes
have even taken place.
How does the cervical screening test work?
Screening age
All women aged 25 years and over are eligible for regular HPV
testing as part of the new Cervical Screening Program.
Sample collection
Sample collection for HPV testing is the same as having a Pap
test - a doctor or healthcare professional collects a sample of
cells from your cervix, and this sample is then sent to our
pathology laboratory for testing.
Sample testing
The laboratory performs an HPV test, and if HPV is found to be
present, a cytology slide will also be made. This slide is examined
under a microscope to see if there are any abnormal cells.
A cytology slide is also made for women who have had a previous
abnormal Pap test, or who have symptoms such as abnormal
bleeding.
Test results and
repeat testing
Once all the testing is complete, the laboratory sends the
result to your doctor with a risk category that indicates when you
should have your next test. For more a more comprehensive
explanation of the risk categories, please see the table below.

Frequently asked questions
What if I have
abnormal bleeding or other concerns before my next test is due?
The new cervical screening guidelines allow for additional
testing in certain circumstances. This includes women who
experience any abnormal bleeding, and young women who were sexually
active before they received the HPV vaccination. Our laboratory
will classify your results as 'symptomatic'. Your doctor will
notify you of the result and any further investigations that may be
required.
If I have had the HPV
vaccine, will I still need to have a cervical screening test?
Yes. The vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV
infection that are known to cause cancer, so you will still need to
have the cervical screening test.
Can my HPV test be
wrong?
It is worthwhile being aware that all screening tests have an
inherent, but low, probability of error. It is expected the
new cervical screening test will increase detection of
abnormalities compared to the previous Pap test. Please consult
your doctor if you have any new or abnormal symptoms or concerns,
even if you've had a recent 'low risk' cervical screening test
result.
My doctor previously
recommended a ThinPrep® test. Can I still have one?
In the new program, liquid-based cytology tests, like
ThinPrep®, only receive a Medicare rebate when HPV is
identified in the initial test, or for patients who have symptoms
or a history of previous abnormality.
If you would like the added reassurance of a second test, even
if your HPV result is 'low risk', please ask your doctor whether
adding a privately funded liquid-based cytology test, such as
ThinPrep®, is appropriate.
What if I don't want
to wait five years between testing?
The HPV test offered under the screening program will only be
funded every five years for women who are 'low risk', with no
symptoms or abnormal history. If you prefer not to wait five years
for your next screening test, more frequent cervical screening can
be done, but it will not be eligible for a Medicare rebate unless
it meets the specific criteria for increased testing. Again, please
discuss this option with your doctor.
Remember, women of
any age who experience symptoms, including pain, bleeding or
discharge, should see their doctor or healthcare professional.
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Available resources
In order to help you better understand the new Cervical
Screening Test (CST), we have created a range of resources that are
available to be downloaded using the links below.
DHM/Gynaepath Changes to Cervical
Screening
Information
for patients
For further information on the new program, and for any
questions you might have, please speak to your doctor.