The Cervical Screening Test (previously known as the Pap test or Pap smear test) looks for a very common virus called the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer.
Finding HPV early through cervical screening, and treating any cell changes it may cause, is your best protection against cervical cancer.
You might feel nervous or anxious if you've just received your Cervical Screening Test result but it's important to remember:
- Having an abnormal Cervical Screening Test result is very common, but developing cervical cancer is very rare.
- Most abnormal cell changes are not cancer and can be treated quickly and easily.
What do my Cervical Screening Test results mean?
If you’ve had a Cervical Screening Test, you’ll most likely get one of the following results:
1. No HPV detected (low risk result)
Your test results show that no HPV was detected. This means you are at very low risk of developing cervical cancer at this time.
You’ll need to return for another Cervical Screening Test in five years.
2. HPV detected intermediate risk (non 16/18)
Your test results show that you have an HPV infection but that it is not HPV types 16 or 18, the highest risk types.
Most HPV infections will go away on their own, but to be safe you’ll need to come back for another Cervical Screening Test in 12 months to check if the HPV infection has cleared.
3. Higher-risk HPV detected or cervical cell changes detected
Your test results show one of the following:
- an HPV infection with types 16 and/or 18 (the highest risk types)
- a persistent infection with another HPV type (not 16 or 18), or
- changes to the cells on your cervix that might need treatment.
You’ll be referred for a procedure called a colposcopy so that a doctor or trained nurse can take a closer look at the cells of your cervix to identify if there are any cell changes that may need treatment. Cervical cell changes that are left untreated may become cervical cancer.
Read more about colposcopy below.
4. Unsatisfactory result
A small proportion of tests are not able to be properly examined in the laboratory. This does not mean something is wrong.
But you will need to come back in to do another Cervical Screening Test as per your doctor’s recommendations.
Whatever your test result is, make sure you attend any follow up testing that your healthcare provider recommends.
Watch the animation below for more information on what your results mean or download our fact sheets:
What is a colposcopy?
If you receive a higher risk test result, you will be referred to have a colposcopy. A colposcopy is when a doctor or specially trained nurse uses a special microscope with a bright light, called a colposcope, to look closely at the cells in your cervix, vagina and vulva to identify any cell changes that may need treatment.
Why do I need a colposcopy?
You will need a colposcopy if your Cervical Screening Test result indicates that you may have cell changes in your cervix that need treatment. Cell changes that are left untreated may become cancer.
Your best protection against cervical cancer is to find and treat any cervical cell changes early.
What happens during a colposcopy?
Your doctor or nurse will use a colposcope to look closely at your cervix, vagina and vulva. They will take samples of cells from your cervix with a small brush and put a special solution on your cervix to see any changed cells more clearly.
Your doctor or nurse may need to take a small sample of tissue, for further testing. This is called a biopsy.
The colposcopy procedure will take about 20 minutes but the whole appointment will take about an hour.
Most people will find a colposcopy slightly uncomfortable, however it should not be very painful.
If you have a biopsy taken, you may feel a small pinch, or pain similar to a period cramp. It’s important to talk to your doctor or nurse about pain relief before, during and after the colposcopy so that you are kept comfortable.
Find out more about what to expect and how to prepare for a colposcopy by watching our video or downloading our colposcopy fact sheets below.
Colposcopy in pregnancy
A colposcopy is safe during pregnancy and will be completed by a specialist with experience in pregnancy. A colposcopy can offer reassurance that any cervical cell changes won’t impact you or your baby during the pregnancy.
Real colposcopy experiences
Daniella's cervical cancer was picked up early thanks to her colposcopy and was able to be successfully treated.
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At 30 years old, Lucinda was referred to a colposcopy after two abnormal Cervical Screening Tests.
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Aiko had never heard of a colposcopy when she was referred to have one after an abnormal Cervical Screening Test result.
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Where can I get support?
Talk to your colposcopy clinic, doctor or nurse for further support.
You can also speak to a specially trained nurse on Cancer Council Victoria’s free and confidential Information and Support line.
Additional resources
Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Find more resources on cancer screening, prevention and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
More information