🍑 ‘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. 🍑

🍑 You’re eligible to get a cervical screening test if you’re aged between 25 and 74, you have a cervix and/or you have ever been sexuallly active (even if you’re no longer sexuallly active). Now, a self-collection method, added to the National Cervical Screening Program Guidelines, making the cervical screening test even easier for people. Although you can still choose to have your cervical screening test performed by a healthcare professional, you can also choose to collect the sample yourself. As of 1 July 2022, this self-collection option became available for all those eligible for the test. If you're eligible (see above) and choose to self-collect, you'll have the test in a private area within the medical practice and be told how to do it. There, you can take a sample by inserting a swab a few centimetres in rotating the swab The test is simple, quick and safe, and is as accurate as a test performed by the doctor or a trained nurse For more information about cervical screening Book a cervical screening test with your doctor or nurse. Use the healthdirect Service Finder, to locate a healthcare provider near you. 🍑