Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—having a Cervical Screening Test every five years is the best way to prevent it.
The Cervical Screening Test prevents cervical cancer by looking for the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
HPV is a common infection, passed through sexual contact, which usually clears up by itself in one to two years.
If you are aged 25 to 74, have a cervix and have ever been sexually active, it is recommended that you have a Cervical Screening Test every five years—even if you have had the HPV vaccination.
In December 2017, the Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap Test (sometimes called the 'Pap smear').
This improved change supports the aims of the National Cervical Screening Program to reduce the number of cervical cancer deaths by encouraging more women to get screening.
By working together, we aim to eliminate cervical cancer by the 2030s.
Self-collection is now available for cervical screening
You can choose to collect your own sample for a Cervical Screening Test. This option is called self-collection. Learn how self-collection works and find out if it is right for you.
Explore more
Start here to find out everything you need to know about the Cervical Screening Test and how you can reduce your risk of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Learn more about what is cervical cancer, the causes, the symptoms and how to prevent it.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of almost all cervical cancers. Learn about HPV and how regular cervical screening can prevent cervical cancer.
Learn more about the National Cervical Screening Program, its achievements and how it has evolved over time.
Find out why the Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap test in 2017—a step forward in preventing cervical cancer.
