Cervical Screening
Bulk Billed Cervical Screening Test
At All Saints Family Practice, Cervical Screening Test is all covered by Medicare and it is fully bulk billed for all Medicare card holders aged between 25 and 74.
What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening prevents cervical cancer by finding the infection that causes it. The Cervical Screening Test (the Pap test replacement) is a quick and simple procedure that looks for an infection called human papillomavirus (HPV). Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV infection that does not clear up. This persistent HPV infection can cause cells in the cervix to change, which in rare cases can develop into cervical cancer, usually over a period of 10–to15 years.
Why is cervical screening important?
Cervical cancer can be prevented through cervical screening.
By detecting HPV infection - which usually causes no symptoms - screening identifies women at risk of eventually developing cervical cancer, so they can be monitored and treated accordingly.
In the very small number of cases where cervical cancer is detected, early diagnosis through screening greatly improves the chances of treatment being successful.
Cervical screening has changed.
From 1 December 2017, the Pap test was replaced by the Cervical Screening Test as the method of screening women to prevent cervical cancer in Australia.
The changes to cervical screening are based on significant improvements in our understanding of how cervical cancer develops and are expected to protect up to 30% more women[1].
What does the Cervical Screening Test involve?
When you arrive at All Saints Family Practice, Dr. Heidy Kuzman will take you to the treatment room, where she will talk to you about the test and explain what it will involve. She might also use this time to talk to you about your general health. When you’re ready for the test, She will ask you to remove your clothing from the waist down and lie on the bed (you can use a sheet to cover yourself).
The doctor will ask you to bend your knees and will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. This is so they can get a clear view of your cervix and collect a sample of cells. The test does not take long and is completely safe. You may feel some discomfort, but it should not hurt. If you feel any pain, tell your nurse or doctor.
While it might seem uncomfortable or awkward to have your Cervical Screening Test, it’s important to remember that doctors perform these tests all the time as part of their job.
Who is eligible for cervical screening?
If you’re aged between 25 and 74 and have ever been sexually active, you need to have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years.
Your first Cervical Screening Test is due two years after your last Pap test.
This includes women who have had the HPV vaccine, as this vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV.
Cervical screening is for:
Both HPV-vaccinated and unvaccinated women
Women who haven’t been sexually active for a long time
Women who have only had sex with one partner
Women who have only had sex with women
All people with an intact cervix who have ever been sexually active
Women who have had a hysterectomy should check with their doctor if they need to have cervical screening. Cervical screening is safe for pregnant women, so if you are pregnant, you can still have your Cervical Screening Test when it’s due. Talk to your doctor about the best time to have your Cervical Screening Test.
When am I due for my Cervical Screening Test?
If you have been having Pap tests and your results were normal, you will be due for your first Cervical Screening Test two years after your last Pap test.
If your last Pap test was more than two years ago, or if you’ve never been screened, book online your Cervical Screening Test now.
For more information about Cervical Screening , please speak with our Receptionist.