About the test
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A cervical screening test checks for human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a common infection which can be passed on by skin-to-skin connection during sexual contact. Usually, HPV goes away on its own, but sometimes it can stay in your body. Over time, it can slowly cause cell changes in your cervix that could lead to cervical cancer.
In 2017, the cervical screening test replaced an older test known as the pap smear. You should do a cervical screening test every 5 years because it can detect HPV earlier and is more accurate. You also have options for how to do the test.
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Usually, you do a cervical screening test at your regular general practice (GP) clinic every 5 years from the age of 25. To do the test, you can also visit your:
- local family planning clinic
- community health clinic
- Aboriginal Health Service.
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There are 2 ways to do a cervical screening test:
Healthcare provider-collected: A doctor or nurse can do the test for you using a speculum. This is a duck-bill shaped tool that goes into your vagina, so they can see and access your cervix. This shouldn’t hurt, but some people find the speculum uncomfortable. If it hurts too much, make sure you tell your doctor or nurse.
Self-collection/self-swab: You can do the test yourself using a thin swab. You will insert the self-swab 4 to 5 centimetres into your vagina and rotate it for 10 to 30 seconds. No speculum is needed because for the self-collected test you don’t need to reach your cervix. Your doctor or nurse will give you:
- the self-swab
- instructions
- a private space to do the test yourself.
You can do both testing options at a healthcare practice or clinic. This is so the doctor or nurse can:
- give you support or help if you need it
- send your test to the pathology lab
- look after your results and take care of any follow up you might need.
About self-collection
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Yes! If you don’t want to do a healthcare provider-collected test using a speculum, but you need help doing your own self-swab test, you can ask your doctor or nurse for assisted self-collection.
This means a doctor or nurse can use the self-swab to do the test for you. They will still only insert the swab 4 to 5 centimetres into your vagina, so they won’t need to use a speculum. They will label your test sample as self-collection and process it as usual.
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Yes! Data shows self-collection is just as safe and accurate as healthcare provider-collection for detecting human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus and is the cause of almost all cervical cancers.
The main difference is that if you choose to do a self-swab test and your results show certain types of HPV, you may need to:
- come back for a healthcare provider-collected test using a speculum
- get a referral to see specialist for further investigation.
This only happens for around 6 in every 100 people.
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Generally, no. Usually, you will do a cervical screening test at a healthcare practice or clinic, including self-collection.
This is so your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider can:
- talk to you before and after the test
- give you detailed instructions and the self-swab
- help you at any time
- make sure they handle and send your test to the pathology lab accurately
- monitor your results and organise any follow up if you need it.
However, if you receive healthcare at home because of your disability, you should ask your healthcare team if this can include cervical screening.
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You have a right to request reasonable adjustments when receiving healthcare. This means you can ask for changes that make it easier for you to get the care you need in a way that is:
- accessible
- safe
- comfortable.
You know your own needs best, so be sure to think about what would make cervical screening easier for you.
If you think you may need more time, you can book a longer appointment, so you don’t feel rushed doing the test. You can also book 2 appointments, one each so you can:
- talk about your options for cervical screening
- do your cervical screening test.
However, the cost of your appointment depends on whether your healthcare provider bulk bills or charges consultation fees. It also depends on whether they use a pathology lab that bulk-bills cervical screening tests through Medicare.
You can ask if there are any extra costs like consultation fees when making your appointment.
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When you book your appointment, you can ask questions like:
- Does the clinic have a hoist?
- What is the height range of the exam table?
- Is there an accessible toilet?
- Can I have a longer appointment?
- Is there a time of day when the clinic is less busy?
You can tell the clinic staff if you need:
- an Auslan interpreter
- a female doctor or nurse
- information in an accessible format like large print or Easy Read
- a sensory friendly environment with less noise, light or smells
- to use a fidget toy or listen to music
- to take a short break during the appointment
- to sit or lie in a particular position to be comfortable.
Ask the staff about your reasonable adjustments when you book the appointment.
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It may help to prepare yourself by learning about how the test works and what you can expect. However, some people prefer to know beforehand, and others prefer not to know – it’s up to you and what will make you the most comfortable.
You can choose to take a support person with you to the appointment. The doctor or nurse should still talk directly to you, not to your support person. You can ask your support person to leave the room if you want to speak privately with the doctor or nurse.
Remember, getting a cervical screening test is your choice. Most people find it quick and easy, but if you feel very uncomfortable, it’s always okay to ask the doctor or nurse to stop. You might be able to take a short break or try again another day.
No matter how you do it, cervical screening every 5 years is important for detecting and stopping cervical cancer.
This information has been provided by the Daffodil Centre and the Centre for Disability Studies.