10 things you need to know about Pap tests

Posted on 11 February, 2016

If you have a cervix and have ever had sex, you are at risk of cervical cancer – and a cervical screening test (Pap test) is the best way to prevent it.

From abnormal test results to proposed changes to the screening program, here’s everything you need to know before your next test.

1. You should make time for your Pap test to prevent cervical cancer.

In the ACT, if you’re aged between 20–69 years, one 15 minute test every two years is all it takes to help prevent most cancer of the cervix. Cervical screening should start within two years of commencing sexual activity. Since the start of the cervical screening program in the 1990’s, deaths from cervical cancer have more than halved. Australia now has one of the lowest death rates in the world for cervical cancer. 

2. Delaying your test can put your health at risk.

According to ACT Health, you should have your Pap test as soon as it’s due so that abnormal cells or cervical cancer cells can be detected and if appropriate, treated. An abnormal result is rarely cancer and treating abnormal cervical cells prevents cancer developing. In Australia, 80 per cent of women with cervical cancer have either never had a Pap test or not had them regularly.

3. A Pap test does not test for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or reproductive problems.

While you can ask your doctor to check for STIs in the same appointment as your Pap test, it’s important to note this is an entirely separate test. Likewise, Pap tests do not check for other problems in the reproductive system like ovarian cancer.

4. Even if you have had the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, you still need regular Pap tests. 

Although cervical cancer is almost always linked to HPV infection, the HPV vaccine does not protect you against all HPV types (only 4 out of 100 strains), so you’ll still need to continue regular Pap tests.

5. A positive test result doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer.

Don’t panic: this can simply mean that your test picked up some abnormalities that your doctor will need to confirm with a follow-up. Your doctor or nurse will discuss the results and any treatment needed with you.

6. The Federal Department of Health is introducing some changes to the National Cervical Screening Program.

The type of test and frequency that you need a test will change in 2017. Until then stick to the two yearly routine.

7. Not enough Canberra women are getting tested.

Just over half of ACT women aged 20-69 years actively take part in the cervical screening program. Those women not participating could be putting themselves at risk. 

8. Women who have had sex with women need Pap tests too.

HPV can be transmitted between women, so cervical screening is recommended.

9. You can afford the awkwardness.

It can be awkward, but a cervical screening test prevents cancer. If you prefer, you can ask to see a female doctor/clinician and ask your doctor to explain the procedure.

10. The process can be made easier if you opt to have your results on the ACT Cervical Screening Register.

If you elect to have your results on the register, you will be reminded when your screening test is overdue, followed up when results are abnormal and have your complete screening history recorded.

For more information on cervical screening (Pap tests), visit the CervixScreen ACT website at health.act.gov.au/cervicalscreening or phone 13 15 56.

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