The National Cervical Screening Program was introduced in Australia in 1991, and is a joint health initiative of the Australian and state and territory governments. All women aged 18 to 70 years who have ever been sexually active should have regular Pap smears every two years. Routine screening is not recommended for women under 18 years of age even if they are sexually active. Women over 70 years may cease screening if they have had two normal Pap smears within the last five years.

The Program aims to reduce illness and deaths from cervical cancer, in a cost-effective manner through an organised approach to screening.
Cervical screening services are provided by general practitioners with funding through Medicare. Services are also provided at community or women’s health centres, family planning clinics or sexual health clinics.

Early detection of cervical cancer by Pap smear testing remains our best weapon to combat the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
To arrange your next Pap smear test, simply make an appointment with your doctor.

• A speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold the walls apart allowing the health professional a clear view of the cervix.
• A cytobrush/spatula is then inserted to collect a sample or scraping of cells form the surface layer of the cervix.
• The sample is taken from the ‘transformation zone’.
• The sample is then placed onto a slide along with a fixing agent to preserve the specimen and forwarded to a laboratory for processing.
• Pap Smear test is approximately 90-95 per cent accurate depending on the experience and skill of the health professional taking the sample.

More information

For more information regarding screening for cervical cancer, speak to your doctor; call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or visit www.cancerscreening.gov.au