Cervical Screening

The new HPV test is done in a similar manner to a pap smear. The test itself is a DNA screening for the Human Papillomavirus - the virus which is the cause for about 99% of cervical cancer cases. The test looks for the presence of the virus rather than cancerous cells caused by it.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers through regular cervical screening.

Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years of age are invited to have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years through their healthcare provider.

The Cervical Screening test is a simple procedure to check the health of your cervix. Your cervix is the opening of the uterus (neck of the womb) and is at the top of your vagina. The Cervical Screening test looks and feels the same as a Pap Smear, but tests for the human papillomavirus (HPV).

You can choose to screen by:

  • having a healthcare provider collect your sample
  • collecting your own vaginal sample - your GP can provide what you need and explain how to perform this self-collection test

Both options are equally accurate and safe to detect HPV.

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