A Cervical Screening Test result – what does it mean?

Prevent cervical cancer with regular cervical screening

Where can I get more information?Have a yarn with your healthcare provider or contact:

WA Cervical Cancer Prevention ProgramPhone: 13 15 56

Email: cervicalscreening@health.wa.gov.au

Website: healthywa.wa.gov.au/cervicalscreening

National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR)The NCSR is a confidential database of women’s cervical test results. The NCSR sends letters to invite women to screen and remind women who are overdue for a test.

The NCSR can update your contact details and/or look up when your next Cervical Screening Test is due.

Phone: 1800 627 701

Website: www.ncsr.gov.au

Artwork by Nerolie Bynder-Blurton

Illustrations by Kristie Taylor

This document can be made available in alternative formats on request for a person with a disability.

Produced by the WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program © North Metropolitan Health Service 2018

Things to remember �Regular cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancer

�Cervical Screening Tests look for HPV and any abnormal cervical cells it may cause

�Attend all recommended follow-up and specialist appointments

� If you have questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

See your healthcare provider immediately if at any age you have symptoms such as

�bleeding after sex

�bleeding between periods

�bleeding after menopause

�unusual vaginal discharge

�persistent pain

What causes cervical cancer?The human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is the main cause of cervical cancer.

Abnormal cervix Normal cervix Cancer Human papillomavirus(HPV)

Can go back to normal

13

What causes cervical cancer?The human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is the main cause of cervical cancer.

Abnormal cervix Normal cervix Cancer Human papillomavirus(HPV)

Can go back to normal

13

Normal cervical cells

Human papillomavirus

(HPV)

Abnormal cervical cells

Cancer

�Repeat the test in 12 months This means your test found HPV. Most HPV infections are cleared by the body within 12 months. A repeat test in 12 months will check that your body has cleared HPV.

�Refer to a specialist This means you have a type of HPV and possible changes to the cells of the cervix that need further investigation.

This does not mean you have cervical cancer.

You will be referred to a specialist for further investigation.

This is called a colposcopy. Your healthcare provider can give you more information on colposcopy.

Test resultsMake sure you agree on a way to get your test results with your healthcare provider. Results are usually available in about two weeks. Your healthcare provider will discuss your test results with you and the next step.

This information helps you to understand your Cervical Screening Test results.

Cervical Screening TestA quick and simple test that looks for human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the main cause of cervical cell changes and most cervical cancers.

If HPV is found, the same sample is checked for changes to the cervical cells.

What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?There are many types of HPV and most are cleared by the body within one to two years without causing problems.

In rare cases, the body does not clear the virus and this can cause abnormal cervical cell changes.

Abnormal cells need to be monitored and/or treated to prevent cervical cancer.

What causes cervical cancer?The human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is the main cause of cervical cancer.

Abnormal cervix Normal cervix Cancer Human papillomavirus(HPV)

Can go back to normal

13

What causes cervical cancer?The human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is the main cause of cervical cancer.

Abnormal cervix Normal cervix Cancer Human papillomavirus(HPV)

Can go back to normal

13

Can go back to normal

Based on your results your healthcare provider will recommend you:

�Return to screen in five years Your test did not find HPV. You are due for your next Cervical Screening Test in five years.

�Repeat the test in six weeks The sample could not be properly examined by the laboratory. It is important that your test is repeated in six weeks.