The following information is general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Please discuss any questions with us.

About cervical screening

In 2017 the Pap smear test was replaced by the cervical screening test. Both tests are performed in a similar way, by collecting a sample of cervical cells. The difference, however, is that cervical screening detects the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and can identify who may be at risk of developing cervical cancer earlier.

Routine cervical screening should be performed every five years, or earlier if you have any abnormal bleeding.

How common is HPV?

All genders are affected by HPV. It is a very common virus that has over 100 different variants. In most cases, the virus is harmless, does not cause any symptoms, and disappears in one to two years.

While the majority of HPV infections resolve naturally, testing is important because of the association between persistent HPV infection and cervical cancer.

The Gardasil vaccine is now given to most students in early high school and this will reduce the prevalence of HPV over time. Cervical screening is still important, regardless of whether you have received the Gardasil vaccination, as there are more variants of HPV than the Gardasil vaccine covers.

Understanding screening results

If your cervical screening results are negative, you are at very low risk of developing cervical cancer, and you can have repeat routine screening in 5 years.

If you have recently had an abnormal result from your cervical screening test, your test results will be categorised into intermediate- or high-risk strains.

If an intermediate-risk strain of HPV is detected, and no abnormal cervical cells are present within the test, you will likely be advised to repeat the cervical screening in 12 months.

If you have a result showing a higher-risk strain of HPV, or the suspicion of abnormal cells on your cervix, you may require, and be referred for, a colposcopy. Colposcopy is necessary for further investigation, but it does not mean you have cervical cancer.

What is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a minor procedure that feels like having a cervical screening test. During the procedure,  the specialist closely examines the surface of the cervix with a special microscope (a colposcope).

If required, a small amount of tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory for a biopsy. It is normal to have some cramping and spotting after a biopsy is taken. Any cramping usually settles within a day and Panadol is sufficient to resolve any discomfort.

What happens after a colposcopy?

After your colposcopy, your doctor will let you know what, if any, further management that is needed.

If a biopsy or further testing is performed, your doctor will contact you to let you know your results, and what follow up or further management is required.

Further information

Additional useful information about HPV and cervical screening is published online:

• Cervical screening (Queensland Health)

• Human Papillomavirus (Queensland Health)

• Understanding your Pap smear or cervical screening test results (Cancer Council)

• Colposcopy (Healthdirect)