Pap smears are the current recommended screening test for cervical cancer. In Australia, the guidelines recommend all sexually active women have a pap smear every 2 years, from the age of 18.

“From 1 December 2017, the National Cervical Screening Program will change from the two-yearly pap smear test to a five-yearly human papillomavirus (HPV) test.
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Pap smears will soon be replaced by a new cervical screening test, which looks for the presence of high risk strains of HPV DNA. Cervical screening will occur every 5 years (if your HPV DNA test is negative), with screening starting at age 25.

Why is the new test better than a pap smear?

HPV DNA is a very good method of cervical screening, as the majority of cervical cancers are caused by high risk strains of HPV. If a woman tests negative for high risk strains of HPV, she is statistically very unlikely to develop cervical cancer within the 5 years following the test. The HPV test is more sensitive than pap smears, and will detect high grade lesions earlier, thus helping to prevent cervical cancer developing.

What does this mean for me?

Up until 1 December 2017, you should continue to have your pap smear when it is due. After this time, instead of a pap smear, you will have a cervical screening test for HPV DNA. This test is collected in the same way as a pap smear.

If you test negative for HPV DNA, then you will have a repeat test in 5 years. If you test positive for HPV DNA, then you may require further investigation.