In Australia, The Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap Smear Test in late 2017. According to the National Cervical Screening Program, “the test is expected to protect up to 30% more women” from cervical cancer.
What is the Cervical Screening Test
The test is a quick and straightforward procedure to evaluate the health of your cervix and cervical cells. The Cervical Cancer Screening Test is the preferred method of detecting any abnormalities at an early stage.
When to get the test
Cervical cancer is preventable with Cervical Screening Testing. All women aged 25 to 74 years should have a Cervical Screening Test once every five years until the age of 74.
The first Cervical Screening Test should start at 25 years of age or two years after the last pap smear test. A normal result following a screening test means you will be due in five years to have the next test.
Pap Smear Test vs Cervical Screening Test
Both tests are performed the same way; however, the Cervical Screening Test can detect abnormal cells caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer is a rare condition, and it usually takes about ten years for the abnormalities caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) to develop into cervical cancer. So, early detection can help prevent cervical cancer.
The Pap Smear only detects changes to the cervix and not the presence of HPV; this is why the new screening test has replaced the Pap Smear Test
What is HPV?
The Human Papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV, is a common disease that comes in many varieties. Not all are harmful and will go away by themselves over time.
The kind of HPV that can lead to the formation of cervical cancer is sexually transmitted through skin to skin contact. Wearing protection can help prevent the spread of HPV.
If you’ve had the HPV vaccination, it is still important to receive the screening test every five years. The vaccination will protect you from many HPV diseases, but not all.
The Cervical Screening Test at The Clinic, Werribee
The cervical screening test is available in The Clinic. We have a female nurse who can perform the test. The test results are usually available in about two weeks, and your doctor can discuss the results with you.
Call us on 9741 1200 or book an appointment online.
Comments