TIA SERIES: Let's Talk About Womens Health: Cervical Screening Test
If the thought of getting a pap smear makes you cringe internally, there is another option! The cervical screening test was introduced in Australia in December 2017 and is actually a more accurate way of protecting those with a cervix from cervical cancer. Where the pap smear would look for changes in the cells of the cervix, this test looks for evidence of HPV. Human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to cell changes in the cervix. HPV is a common infection that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. The test will check for HPV before the cancerous cells have a chance to develop.
Another thing about the HPV cervical screening test, you are able to collect the sample yourself. Australia is one of the first countries in the world to offer this as an available option for cervical screening participants. Many women choose not to have a pap smear done - I've never had one out of the sheer anxiety of having it done. Some people have experienced sexual violence or abuse and find the pap smear traumatic, Not having the test done exposes them to a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Other people are unable to have a pap smear test done because of cultural barriers or taboos around traditional testing. The gender-diverse community will also benefit from being able to self-collect their own samples.
The National Cervical Screening Program is available through GP clinics, women's health clinics, Aboriginal health centres and other healthcare providers. The test is encouraged to be done every five years, down from every two years as previously. Through the program, anyone who is 25 - 74 and has a cervix, and has also been sexually active is able to choose between:
Taking their own sample from their vagina, using a simple swab
OR
Having a health care provider collect the sample using a speculum. Both of these options are free under Medicare.
So... what does self-collection actually mean? It means that you are given a long cotton swab somewhere private in your doctor’s office to well, self-collect. You're given instructions on how to collect the sample before being sent off. When you collect your sample you are collecting cells from your vagina. In comparison, when a GP does the cervical screening, they are taking cells from the cervix. No need to worry though, HPV can be detected just as well from cells in both the vagina and the cervix. What if HPV is found? If they're found on the self-collection sample you will be called back to your GP's office to have a sample of cervical cells collected, to see if there are any abnormal changes to your cervix.
Finally, there are four possible results that you can get from your cervical screening tests, let's quickly chat about those.
LOW RISK means HPV has not been detected in your cells and the risk of developing cervical cell changes in the next five years is very low.
INTERMEDIATE RISK means you have not come back with HPV types 16 or 18, these are the highest risk types, BUT you do have one of the other high-risk HPV types. Your sample has been examined and it has been determined you have either no cell changes or only minor changes on your cervix.
HIGHER RISK means that your test results have come back with types 16 and/or 18, which are high-grade cell changes, or a persistent infection with one of the other high-risk HPV types.
UNSATISFACTORY means that the test sample could not be properly examined. You'll probably just need to repeat the test.
Time to get a cervical screening test? All women between the age of 25 and 74 are encouraged to take the test every five years.
Yes, you should still take the test if you have been vaccinated for HPV.
Yes, it is safe to be screened while pregnant.
You may still need to be screened even if you have had a hysterectomy.
Over 50? The risk of cervical cancer increases with age.
And yes, you are able to access the instructions for your test in other languages.
Contact your health professional today to book in.
