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Understanding your results and what happens next

Find out what your Cervical Screening Test results mean and what to do if more tests are needed.

For more information about Cervical Screening Test results, visit the National Cervical Screening Program website.

What is a colposcopy?

If your Cervical Screening Test shows that you have tested positive for HPV types that need further investigation or that you have abnormal cells that may need treatment, you will be referred to a specialist for a colposcopy. This does not mean that you have cervical cancer.

A colposcopy is a procedure that feels like having a practitioner-collected Cervical Screening Test with a speculum and involves the specialist looking at the cells of the cervix more closely. A colposcopy generally takes 10 to 15 minutes and the doctor may decide to take a sample of tissue (a biopsy) from the cervix for further testing.

To find out more about cervical screening or if you would like to discuss your results, speak to your GP or call Cancer Council on 13 11 20.

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Questions about cancer?

Call or email our experienced cancer nurses for information and support.

Contact a cancer nurse