What is a Cervical Cancer Screen?
A Cervical Cancer Screen is a simple procedure in which a health care professional gently collects cells from the lower end of the womb (cervix)during an internal examination of the vagina. The cells are sent to our Pathology laboratory, where they are tested. In some cases, you maybe able to take the sample for cervical screening yourself “self collect” – which will test for HPV from the vagina. Please discuss this with your healthcare provider if you are interested in this option.
Why have a Cervical Cancer Screen?
Cervical Cancer Screens are an easy way to detect early Human papillomavirus (HPV) and your best defence against cervical cancer. Cervical cancer screens have replaced Pap smears as the preferred
testing method.
What is HPV and why is it important?
HPV is a common virus. It is an infection that can affect anyone who is, or has been, sexually active.Most infections are harmless and resolve in about a year. While most women with an HPV diagnosis will not be affected, HPV infection can lead to an increased risk of pre-cancer or cancer in a small number of cases.
HPV types can be divided into two groups:
- Low risk types which may cause genital warts and minor changes; and
- High risk types, which can possibly cause cervical cancer in some women.
Testing women for high risk HPV types helps identify the small percentage of women at risk of developing pre-cancerous changes and cancer. Type 16 and Type 18 are the 2 high risk types that cause 75% of cervical cancers.
It is important to note that a positive HPV test does not mean you have cancer, it can just mean you have an increased risk of developing cancer.
If these changes are found and treated early, most cancers can be prevented.Having cervical cancer screens on a time frame recommended by your doctor has been shown to reduce the likelihood of developing cervical cancer.
How do I know if I have HPV?
Unlike other viral or bacterial infections, HPV does not cause you to feel unwell or experience irritation, discharge or bleeding. Most women with HPV changes do not realise they have the infection. HPV may be present for years before it causes changes in the cervical cells that are identified in a routine cervical cancer screen. HPV can be detected through a simple test for the high risk types linked with cervical pre-cancer and cancer.
How effective is a Cervical Cancer Screen?
Having your cervical cancer screens as recommended greatly increases the chances of finding early pre-cancerous changes.
Who needs a Cervical Cancer Screen?
Women over the age of 25 are invited by theNational Cancer Screening Register to participate in the national cervical screening program.The cervical screening program is available to women between the ages of 25 and 74 years.Please note: HPV vaccinated women still require cervical screening as the HPV vaccine does not protect against all the types of HPV that may cause cervical cancer.Women of any age who have symptoms such as unusual bleeding, discharge or pain should see their health care professional immediately.
