Ready to book in a Cervical Screening Test?

Here’s a quick guide to walk you through your options, there’s plenty of ways to make it work for you.

• Wait a sec, do I need a Cervical Screening Test? Head here to find out.

Where can I get a Cervical Screening Test?

Cervical Screening Tests are available at a lot of different places—GP clinics, community health centres, sexual health and family planning clinics, women’s health centres, Aboriginal Medical Services, and even via Telehealth in some cases.

If you’re not sure whether the Cervical Screening Test or the self-collection option is offered at your clinic, it’s worth giving them a phone call beforehand.

If you’re already seeing an LGBTIQ+ affirming GP or nurse, chances are they can help you get it sorted. Cancer Council Victoria even has an online directory where you can filter providers by location, accessibility, language, or trauma-informed care.

And if you’re looking for somewhere queer-affirming, Sexual Health Victoria’s Rainbow Tick approved clinics in Box Hill and Melbourne CBD are a good bet.

What’s the cost?

The test itself is free, though some doctors might charge a consultation fee. If you want to avoid that, book in with a bulk-billing service.

What happens during a Cervical Screening Test?

There are two main options for screening: self-collection and clinician-collection. Have a chat with your doctor to see which option is best for you.

Regardless of which type of test you have, there are also a few things you can do to make the process more comfortable for you.

Self-collected sample:

Here’s what happens during a self-collected sample:

You use a soft swab in a private space (it looks a lot like a COVID test swab, just shorter), insert it a few centimetres, rotate gently a few times, and that’s it! Quick and simple, you don’t even have to touch your cervix. Click here if you’d like to see a diagram.

Self-collected samples are just as effective as clinician-collected ones at finding HPV. Have a chat with your doctor to see if you’re eligible.

You can also ask for assisted self-collection, where the clinician can collect the swab sample for you.

You might also be able to organise a take-home option. While it’s generally encouraged to complete the swab at a clinic, some providers might be able to organise a Telehealth appointment and send you a testing in the mail.

It’s worth flagging that if HPV is found on a self-collected sample, further tests will be needed which might include a clinician-collected sample, or colposcopy.

Clinician-collected sample:

• You’ll be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down and lay on a bed on your back or side. You can ask for a sheet for coverage.
• You’ll bend your knees so your feet are near your bottom.
• A speculum is gently inserted into your vagina/front hole so the cervix is visible. It may feel cold or a little uncomfortable.
• A soft brush is used to collect a sample of cells from the cervix. This takes under a minute.

Click here if you’d like to see an illustration of what this looks like.

I’m nervous about getting screened—what can I do?

You’re not alone! Here are some tips to make it easier.

• Choose a healthcare provider you trust. And remember you can stop or pause the test at any time.
• Ask about self-collection. It’s quick and private. If you’re having a speculum exam, you can ask to insert the speculum yourself if that helps you feel more in control.
• Bring a support person if that feels helpful, and use any grounding tools that work for you (like breathing, music, or a fidget object).
• Plan something nice for afterwards; grab an ice cream, watch a movie, or do whatever helps you relax and take care of yourself.

All done with your Cervical Screening Test and wondering ‘now what’?

First of all, you’ve just done something really important for your health. Whether it’s your first screening or your fifth, that’s a huge step toward staying well.

Feeling nervous about your results?

Completely normal. But here’s the reassuring truth from Cancer Council Victoria:

“You might feel nervous or anxious if you’ve just received your Cervical Screening Test result but it’s important to remember:

• Having an abnormal Cervical Screening Test result is very common, but developing cervical cancer is very rare.
• Most abnormal cell changes are not cancer and can be treated quickly and easily.”

Head to Cancer Council Victoria for an overview of what your test results mean, and next steps.

Australia is on track to become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer, and cervical screening is a big part of making that happen.

If you’re up to date with your screening—great! If not, now’s a great time.

And while you’re at it, check in with your mates who’ve got cervixes too. Sometimes a reminder from someone you care about makes the difference.