Cervical Screening Test
About the Cervical Screening Test
In Australia, the Cervical Screening Test has replaced the Pap Smear Test and is done once every five years. The most recent scientific research shows that having a Cervical Screening Test once every five years is safe and more effective than having a Pap Smear Test every two years. The Cervical Screening Test is a simple and quick procedure to evaluate the health of your cervix.
Cervical cancer is a rare condition, and it usually takes about ten years for the abnormalities caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) to develop into cervical cancer. The Cervical Cancer Screening test is a more effective method of identifying any abnormalities at an early stage. Changes made to the cervical screening program are expected to protect up to 30% of women from cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is preventable with a regular Cervical Screening Test. All women aged 25 to 74 years should have a cervical screening test once every five years until the age of 74. The first Cervical Screening Test should start at 25 years of age or two years after the last pap smear test. A normal result following a cervical screening test means you will be due in five years to have the next test.
Cervical Screening Test at The Clinic
The Cervical Screening Test is now available in The Clinic. We have a female nurse who can perform the test, and the results are usually available two weeks later; your doctor can discuss the results with you.
