HPV usually has no symptoms and goes away on its own, but sometimes, it can cause cervical cell changes that can develop into cervical cancer.
Learn more about HPV
You can now choose to self-collect your test with a small swab or have a doctor or nurse do the test for you.
Find out about your options
The Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap test (Pap smear test) in 2017 to improve the early detection of cervical cancer.
Learn about the change
Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a very common virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV).
The Cervical Screening Test looks for HPV. Finding it early and treating any cell changes it may have caused is your best protection against cervical cancer.
If you’re a woman or person with a cervix aged 25-74, you need to do a Cervical Screening Test every five years, even if you don’t have any symptoms.
You can choose how you have your next Cervical Screening Test. You can have it done by a doctor or specially trained nurse, or you can self-collect your test using a small swab.
Learn about cervical screening
You can now self-collect your Cervical Screening Test
Self-collection lets you take your own vaginal sample using a small swab.
The test is done in a private space at the doctor’s or other health setting, usually behind a curtain or in the bathroom.
It’s quick, easy, private and just as accurate as a test taken by a doctor or nurse.
Read more about self-collection
Find a provider near you
Cervical screening stories
It had been over a decade since her last Cervical Screening Test when mum of three Abbey found herself facing a cervical cancer diagnosis.
Read more about Abbey's story
A routine Cervical Screening Test helped to detect Lucinda’s abnormal cervical cell changes early so they could be treated before they developed into cervical cancer.
Read more about Lucinda's story
Tegan hadn’t heard of self-collection when her GP recommended it at a recent check-up. Now, she’s encouraging others to try this easy and private option.
Read more about Tegan's story
Share your story
The In Your Hands campaign is supported by the Freemasons Foundation Victoria.
