National Cervical Screening Program – Cervical Screening Test – your choices explained – Easy Read

Having a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years will help you stay healthy, both for yourself and your family.

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Cervical Screening Test – your choices explained

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General public
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English
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Cervical Screening Test – your choices explained:

  1. Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer – so that you can stay healthy for yourself and your family.
  2. It’s a quick test you take every 5 years for a virus called HPV that can lead to cervical cancer.
  3. If you are a woman or person with a cervix, aged between 25-74 you should talk to your doctor or nurse about having a Cervical Screening Test.
  4. You have a choice on how your Cervical Screening Test is done. There are 2 options and you can pick which one is right for you.
  5. Your doctor or nurse can do the test for you. In a private space, you will be asked to remove your clothes from below the waist and lie down under a sheet.
  6. The doctor or nurse will take a sample from your cervix. It might be a bit uncomfortable but should not hurt. It will only take a few minutes.
  7. Or you can collect the sample yourself. Your doctor or nurse will explain how to take your own sample and give you a private space. Ask your doctor or nurse to show you another guide like this one to help you collect your own sample.
  8. Both options are safe ways to have a Cervical Screening Test. Remember, you can ask for a female doctor or nurse if you like.

Book an appointment to talk with your doctor or nurse. You can also:

  • visit health.gov.au/NCSP-multicultural for more information about cervical screening
  • call 1800 627 701
  • call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 13 14 50 to get help in your language.

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