All cervical screening participants now have the choice to self-collect their own Cervical Screening Test sample.
A self-collected sample is taken from the vagina and is checked for human papillomavirus (HPV) – a common infection which causes almost all cervical cancers.
Find out more about self-collection Download How to take your own sampleWhat is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix, the lowest part of the uterus or womb. Most cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
What is the Cervical Screening Test?
The Cervical Screening Test is how we screen for cervical cell changes so they can be monitored or treated to prevent cancer from developing. It’s for anyone with a cervix who has ever been sexually active – regardless of gender identity, sexuality or sexual history.
Who should have a Cervical Screening Test?
If you have a cervix and are aged 25 to 74, you should have a Cervical Screening Test every five years.
More cervical screening options
Everybody attending for a Cervical Screening Test can choose if they would like their clinician to collect their sample or if they would like to collect their own sample. This is called self-collection. Self-collection involves a vaginal / front hole swab. The collection device looks like a long cotton bud.
How do I know when I’m due for my next test?
The National Cancer Screening Register sends invitation letters to start screening when you turn 25 and reminders when your next test is due. The register collects your info from Medicare, so if your name does not match your Medicare card, you can change it in the National Cancer Screening Register by calling them on 1800 627 701.
Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Multilingual factsheets: How to take your own sample
Dinka (spoken by Sudanese and South Sudanese)
Karen (spoken by Karens from Myanmar/Burma)
Farsi (spoken in Iran, Afghan women can understand written Farsi)
Tamil (spoken in Sri Lanka)
Tigrinya (spoken in Ethiopia)
CINSW
Cancer Multilingual Resource Directory
Above is a full directory of all cancer resources in language by CINSW