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 to 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
What is HPV and how does it cause cervical cancer?
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.
Regular cervical screening, combined with HPV vaccination, are the best ways to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.
Learn more about HPV
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 cervical screening story
The In Your Hands campaign is supported by the Freemasons Foundation Victoria.