What you need to know about DIY Pap Smears
Currently in Australia, women are advised to get a cervical screening test (sometimes called a Pap smear) from the time they are 25 years old, every five years to look for early signs of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is one of the more common cancers that affect women, but screening is a way of finding abnormalities early to help treatment be more effective. Cervical screening tests look for the presence of HPV, a virus that causes cervical cancer and in some cases, abnormal cells that indicate early cancerous changes in the cervix.
It’s not uncommon to see a reminder for a smear and dread making that appointment. Rates of cervical screening aren’t as high as we would like and worldwide data has shown a concerning decrease in screening rates.
One way to try and improve screening is to have people collect tests themselves, overcoming practical and sometimes emotional barriers to having a smear. This year, self-collection of cervical screening tests became available in Australia, a welcome change for many who dread or struggle to get their smear done.
What’s the difference between a test done at your GP and one you do yourself?
When your doctor does a cervical screening test, they take a sample from the cervix which is the top of the vagina. A self-collected swab is taken from the vagina, a little lower down and looks for the presence of HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer.
How do you collect a test yourself?
Collecting a test is pretty simple and involves inserting a swab a few centimetres into the vagina and rotating for 20-30 seconds. The swab is then placed into a tube and sent to the lab to be checked.
Who can have a self-collect test?
Anyone aged 25-74 years who has ever been sexually active can have a self-collect test, as long as you don’t have any symptoms such as bleeding, pain or discharge. If you’ve had previous abnormalities, you may still require a test done by your doctor. You need to chat to your healthcare provider to get your test, so have a discussion if this option is the right one for you.
What happens if you have an abnormal result?
An abnormal result means that the test detected HPV - the result is normally available within two weeks. Your doctor will discuss what options are available including whether or not you need other tests.
Where can I find more information?
Chat to your GP to check that you’re suitable if you are unsure, or visit atyourcervix.org.au
If you have any specific queries please speak to your doctor to see if this is right for you.
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Dr Nikki Stamp is an Australian trained cardiothoracic surgeon and PhD candidate. She has a strong desire to change the way we think about health and is a passionate supporter of the Heart Foundation and women's heart disease advocacy. Nikki is a previous member of the healthylife Advisory Board.
Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board September 2022.