🍑 ‘Pap smears’ can be replaced by do-it-yourself cervical cancer tests From today, women who need to get a cervical screening test will be able to choose to self-collect a sample themselves. The self-collect option is a game changer in cervical screening – with Australia is one of the first countries in the world to offer it as a choice for all screening participants. Being able to do the test yourself is also expected to increase the rates of cervical cancer screening for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, who may have experienced cultural barriers and taboos around traditional ‘pap smears’. It will also make a world of difference for the gender diverse community who also face access barriers. Today’s change to the National Cervical Screening Program means that anyone aged 25-74 with a cervix, who has ever been sexuallly active will be able to choose to have a Cervical Screening Test either by: taking their own sample from, using a simple swab, or having a health care provider collect the sample using a speculum. Some test options are free under Medicare – so if your healthcare provider bulk bills for consultations, the whole thing is free. They are accessed through a healthcare provider and are accurate and safe ways to collect a sample for a Cervical Screening Test. Self-collection is also available as an option for follow-up HPV testing after an intermediate risk result and cervical screening during pregnancy. More information on self-collection and the National Cervical Screening Program can be found at www.health.gov.au/ncsp. 🍑