National Cervical Screening Program
The National Cervical Screening Program aims to reduce illness and death from cervical cancer. Women aged 25 to 74 years of age are invited to have a cervical screening test every 5 years.
Cervical screening during COVID-19
It is important for people to keep seeing their health care provider for their cervical screening and any follow up investigations that are recommended.
If you have received a reminder about cervical screening and you have any questions or concerns, please call your doctor or health care provider to talk about your circumstances.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or are required to self-isolate or quarantine, let your health care provider know.
Top tasks
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Learn about the program
Discover why it's important to have regular cervical screening. -
Find out if you're eligible
Check to see if you should have a cervical screening test. -
Discover how cervical screening works
Find out what to expect when having a cervical screening test. -
See where you can get tested
Find out where you can have cervical screening done.
Important changes to the National Cervical Screening Program's Clinical Guidelines pathway for women at intermediate risk
Changes to the NCSP's Guidelines for the clinical management of women at intermediate risk will come into effect from 1 February 2021. This follows the Cancer Council Australia Clinical Guidelines working party review of national data from the renewed program.
For health professionals and providers
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Your role in the program
Find out how you can help increase participant confidence in the screening program. -
Managing patients with symptoms of cervical cancer
Patients who show symptoms that suggest cervical cancer need diagnostic testing rather than screening. Find out what the symptoms are and how you may need to investigate further.
Public resources
Health sector resources
Related initiatives and programs
BreastScreen Australia Program
The BreastScreen Australia Program aims to reduce illness and death from breast cancer by detecting the disease early. Women aged 50 to 74 years of age are invited to have a free screening mammogram every 2 years.
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by detecting the early signs of the disease. Eligible Australians from 50 to 74 years of age are sent a free, simple test that is done at home. Find out how the program works and how to do the test.
National Indigenous Bowel Screening Pilot
This pilot program encouraged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to do the bowel screening test. It provided resources for families and communities, and primary health care professionals participating in the pilot program. We're working on a new way to distribute kits based on the results.