Cervical screening is an important test for all women aged 25 to 74. 

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Cervical screening is a good way to stay healthy for you and your family

Cervical screening is an important test for all women aged 25 to 74.

Cervical screening can protect us against cervical cancer. It is a test that looks for some types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) before HPV can make changes to the cells in your cervix that may lead to cancer.

If you are aged 25 to 74, you need a Cervical Screening Test every five years. The Australian Government will invite you to have a Cervical Screening Test by sending you a letter in the mail.

To book your test, speak to your doctor or health worker, or use our directory to find a cervical screening nurse or doctor.

You need a Cervical Screening Test if:

  • you are a woman
  • you are aged between 25 and 74 years
  • you have ever had sex.

You still need cervical screening even if you have:

  • had the HPV vaccine
  • been through menopause
  • been with only one sexual partner
  • experienced traditional cutting or circumcision
  • had a baby
  • been married or have had a sexual relationship with another person
  • been divorced or widowed
  • sex with female partners.

If you have had a hysterectomy, please check with your doctor about cervical screening.

From 1 July 2022, all Australian women and people with a cervix between 25 to 74 years will have the choice to do their Cervical Screening Test using either a self-collected vaginal sample or a clinician collected test sample from the cervix. If you’re due for a Cervical Screening Test, speak to your doctor or nurse about your options for testing, or call 13 14 50 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) and ask to speak to one of  Cancer Council’s information and support nurses in your own language. 

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