The ‘pap smear test’, now known as the Cervical Screening Test, is a common reason for women to come in and see their GP.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself against cervical cancer and did you know…you can now do it on your own (self-collect) or have your GP do it (the choice is now yours)!
Cervical Screening Test (Otherwise known as a Pap Smear) - What You Need to Know!
By Dr Miranda Quenby, General Practitioner at FitRight HQ on Mondays
Cervical screening is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer. Many people feel a little unsure or nervous about having the test, but the good news is, it is now easier than ever to do and can be self-collected in most cases.
Here’s what you need to know about the Australian Cervical Screening Program and how it helps keep you healthy.
Who Should Have the Test?
The Cervical Screening Test is for:
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Women and anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years
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Even if you’ve had the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine
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Even if you’re no longer sexually active
If your test result comes back as normal, you only need to have the test every 5 years.
What Is HPV?
The test looks for a common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is spread through sexual contact and affects most people at some point in their lives. In most cases, it causes no symptoms and clears up on its own.
However, some types of HPV can cause changes to the cells of the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. Screening helps detect HPV early so these changes can be monitored or treated before they cause any problems.
Cervical Cancer and the Link with HPV:
We now know that HPV causes the vast majority of cervical cancers. The introduction of the HPV vaccine, which is now routinely given in schools, has been a major step forward in preventing cervical cancer and genital warts. The vaccine protects against the most common strains of HPV that cause these conditions.
However, there are still many other strains of HPV that the vaccine doesn’t cover - and that’s why regular cervical screening remains so important.
Since discovering the link between HPV and cervical cancer, the Cervical Screening Program has changed. The old Pap smear used to look for cell changes on the cervix that might develop into cancer. The current Cervical Screening Test goes a step earlier - it checks for the presence of the HPV virus itself, before any cell changes have even started.
This means we can now identify who is at risk of developing cervical changes much sooner. On average, it takes about 10 years for a persistent HPV infection to cause abnormal cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer. By detecting the virus early, the Cervical Screening Test allows doctors to monitor or treat changes long before they become serious.
How the Test Is Done
You now have two options for how your sample is collected:
Option 1: Self-collected test
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You collect the sample yourself using a small swab, usually in the privacy of the clinic bathroom.
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It’s quick, simple, and just as accurate as the test done by your doctor or nurse.
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The swab is used inside the vagina (not the cervix), and most people find it easy and comfortable to do.
Option 2: Practitioner-collected test
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Your doctor or nurse collects the sample during a pelvic exam using a speculum and a small brush.
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Some people prefer this method or may need it if additional testing is required.
Your GP can talk you through both options and help you decide which one feels right for you.
What If the Result Is Positive?
If your result shows no HPV is detected, that’s great - you don’t need another test for 5 years.
If HPV is detected, don’t worry - this doesn’t mean you have cancer. It just means your body has the virus and your healthcare provider will arrange follow-up.
Depending on the result, this might include:
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Another test in 12 months to see if the HPV has cleared, or
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A referral to a specialist for a closer look at your cervix (called a colposcopy).
These steps help make sure any changes are found and treated early, before they can cause serious problems.
Australia’s Goal to Eliminate Cervical Cancer:
Australia is on track to become one of the first countries in the world to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
To achieve this incredible goal, we need:
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90% of girls to be vaccinated against HPV by age 15
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70% of eligible people to participate in regular cervical screening
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90% of people with pre-cancerous changes or cervical cancer to receive treatment
Thanks to the combined impact of HPV vaccination and cervical screening, rates of cervical cancer have already dropped dramatically in Australia. By continuing to participate in the screening program and encouraging others to do the same, we can help make cervical cancer a disease of the past.
The Bottom Line:
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Start screening at age 25 and continue until 74.
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Have the test every 5 years if your result is normal.
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You can choose self-collection or clinician collection.
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A positive HPV result is common and usually clears naturally.
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The HPV vaccine protects against the most common cancer-causing strains, but screening is still essential.
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Together, vaccination and screening are helping Australia move towards eliminating cervical cancer.
If you’re due for your cervical screening test or have any questions, talk to your FitRight Women’s Health GP. We’re here to help make the process comfortable, respectful, and easy.
References
Brotherton J, Machalek D, Smith M et al., 2024 Cervical Cancer Elimination Progress Report: Australia’s progress towards the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Published online 14/03/2025, Melbourne Australia, at: https://www.
Cancer Council (2024) Cervical Cancer Screening, Cancer Council Victoria. Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/
Cancer Council (2024), Why the cervical screening test replaced the PAP test, Cancer Council Victoria. Available at: https://www.cancervic.org.au/
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (2025) About the national Cervical Screening Program, (Australian Government), available at: https://www.health.gov.au/our-
