Cervical Screening

Cervical Screening is the most common procedure to prevent cervical cancer. The screening is a simple procedure to check the health of your cervix (neck of the womb). Regular cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancer.

NOTE: On 1 December 2017, the National Cervical Screening Program has changed. Pap smears were replaced by a new Cervical Screening Test (CST). The Cervical Screening Test looks and feels the same as a Pap Smear, but tests for the human papillomavirus (HPV). The time between tests has changed from 2 years to 5 years. The age at which screening starts has increased from 18 years to 25 years, or 2 years after the last Pap test if the Pap test was done at the age of 23 or over.

  • If you are 25 to 74 years of age, have a cervix and have ever been sexually active, you should have your first cervical screening test 2 years after your last Pap Smear. This includes people vaccinated and unvaccinated for HPV as well as people who identify as lesbian or transgender.
  • If you are turning 25 years old or are aged 25 to 74 years and have never had a Pap Smear or Cervical Screening Test before, you should make an appointment with the GP to have one done.
  • If you are under 25 years of age with a normal screening history, it is safe to wait until the age of 25 years to have your first Cervical Screening Test.
  • If you have symptoms of cervical cancer at any age, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during sex or unusual discharge, you should discuss these with one of our GP immediately.

If you are due for testing, contact QUT Medical Centre to book an appointment with one of our GP.

For more information

Information about Cervical Screening Test in other languages

Information about Changes in Cervical Screening Test in other languages