If you remember being told to book a Pap smear every two years, you may be wondering whether that advice still applies.
The short answer is: Australia no longer uses the traditional two-yearly Pap smear as its routine cervical screening test. Since December 2017, the Pap test has been replaced by the more accurate Cervical Screening Test (CST), which looks for human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of almost all cervical cancers.
For most eligible women and people with a cervix, routine cervical screening is now recommended every five years from age 25 to 74.
So, if you have been searching “how often should you get a pap?” or wondering when your next smear is due, understanding Australia’s current screening program can help you stay up to date with this important part of preventive healthcare.
Is a Pap Smear the Same as a Cervical Screening Test?
Not quite.
A traditional Pap smear looked for abnormal changes in cells collected from the cervix. Australia’s current Cervical Screening Test instead looks primarily for HPV, which can cause cervical cell changes that may eventually develop into cancer.
HPV is very common and often clears naturally without causing problems. However, persistent infection with certain high-risk HPV types can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Because HPV testing can identify risk earlier than the previous Pap test, routine screening intervals were extended from every two years to every five years.
People may still casually call their appointment a “Pap smear”, but the routine screening test used in Australia today is the Cervical Screening Test.
How Often Should You Get a Pap Test in Australia?
Under Australia’s National Cervical Screening Program, most women and people with a cervix should have a Cervical Screening Test every five years if they:
- Are aged between 25 and 74
- Have a cervix
- Have ever had sexual contact
This recommendation generally applies even if you:
- Feel completely well
- Are no longer sexually active
- Have only had one sexual partner
- Have had the HPV vaccine
- Are heterosexual, lesbian, bisexual or transgender
- Have been through menopause
The HPV vaccine provides important protection but does not protect against every HPV type associated with cervical cancer, so vaccinated people should still participate in cervical screening when eligible.
Why Is Screening Only Needed Every Five Years?
Moving from two-yearly Pap smears to five-yearly Cervical Screening Tests does not mean cervical cancer prevention has become less important.
The change reflects improvements in screening. The current Pap test replacement, the Cervical Screening Test, uses HPV testing to identify risk earlier than the traditional Pap test.
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV is responsible for almost all cervical cancers. By testing for HPV rather than waiting to identify subsequent cell changes, the current program can identify people who may require closer monitoring or further investigation.
If HPV is not detected and you are otherwise eligible for routine screening, you can generally return for your next screening test in five years.
If HPV is detected, your next steps will depend on the HPV type and other findings. You may require another test sooner or referral for further assessment.
At What Age Should Cervical Screening Start?
Routine cervical screening in Australia starts at age 25 for eligible people who have ever had sexual contact. Although many people still refer to this as a Pap test, the current screening method is the Cervical Screening Test.
This applies whether you became sexually active before or after age 25.
Routine screening generally continues until age 74. People aged 70–74 may have an exit test and, depending on the result and screening history, may then leave the routine screening program.
If you are aged 75 or older and have never been screened or have not had a Cervical Screening Test within the previous five years, speak with your GP about whether screening is appropriate. If you are searching for when to have a Pap test, remember that Australia now uses the HPV-based Cervical Screening Test instead.
What If I Can’t Remember When My Next Smear Is Due?
You are certainly not alone.
With screening now occurring every five years, it can be easy to forget when your last test was performed.
Results from Cervical Screening Tests are recorded with the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR), which supports Australia’s cervical screening program and sends reminders when screening is due.
You can also ask your GP to help review your screening history.
If you are thinking, “when is my next smear?”, it is better to check than assume you are up to date, particularly if you cannot remember having a Cervical Screening Test within the past five years.
What Happens During a Cervical Screening Appointment?
If your healthcare provider collects the sample, the procedure is similar to the Pap smears many women remember.
You will usually be given privacy to undress from the waist down and provided with a sheet or covering.
Your doctor or nurse will gently insert a speculum into the vagina so they can see the cervix. A small brush is then used to collect a sample from the cervix for laboratory testing.
The procedure only takes a few minutes. It may feel uncomfortable for some people, but it should not be painful. If you experience pain or feel uncomfortable at any point, tell your healthcare provider.
You can also ask questions before the examination and withdraw your consent at any point.
Can You Collect Your Own Cervical Screening Sample?
Yes.
Eligible participants in Australia’s National Cervical Screening Program can choose between:
- Having their healthcare provider collect a cervical sample, or
- Collecting their own vaginal sample using a swab.
Self-collection does not require inserting a speculum or reaching the cervix. A healthcare professional provides the testing swab and instructions, and you collect the sample privately.
For HPV testing, current Australian guidance states that self-collected and clinician-collected samples are equally accurate at detecting HPV when appropriate approved testing methods are used.
This option can make cervical screening more accessible for people who have previously avoided screening because of discomfort, embarrassment, cultural considerations, previous trauma or other barriers.
Your GP can discuss which collection method is appropriate for your circumstances.
What Happens After the Test?
Your sample is sent to a pathology laboratory.
If HPV is not detected, most people can return to routine screening in five years.
If HPV is detected, this does not mean you have cervical cancer.
Your healthcare provider will explain what the result means and whether you need:
- Another Cervical Screening Test in 12 months
- Additional cervical cell testing
- A clinician-collected sample following certain self-collected results
- Referral for colposcopy or specialist assessment
The appropriate pathway depends on your individual result and medical history.
Should I Wait for My Next Cervical Screening Test If I Have Symptoms?
No.
Routine cervical screening is designed for people who do not have symptoms.
Do not wait until your next scheduled screening test if you experience symptoms such as:
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after sex
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Persistent pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
These symptoms do not necessarily mean cervical cancer there, are many possible causes, but they should be assessed by a doctor. Your GP may recommend different diagnostic testing rather than a routine screening test.
Do You Still Need Cervical Screening After the HPV Vaccine?
Yes.
HPV vaccination has significantly strengthened cervical cancer prevention, but vaccination does not protect against every HPV type associated with cervical cancer.
Both HPV-vaccinated and unvaccinated eligible people are included in Australia’s National Cervical Screening Program.
Vaccination and cervical screening work together as complementary preventive measures rather than alternatives.
What If You’ve Had a Hysterectomy?
Whether you need ongoing cervical screening after a hysterectomy depends on several factors, including:
- Whether your cervix was removed
- Why you had the hysterectomy
- Your previous cervical screening results
- Whether you have previously had cervical abnormalities
Do not automatically assume that screening is no longer necessary after a hysterectomy.
Speak with your GP, who can review your surgical and screening history and advise whether further testing is recommended.
Cervical Screening as Part of Women’s Health Checks in Australia
Cervical screening is just one component of preventive women’s healthcare.
Depending on your age, health history and individual risk factors, a women’s health appointment may also provide an opportunity to discuss:
- Breast health
- Contraception
- Menstrual concerns
- Sexual health and STI testing
- Fertility and pregnancy planning
- Menopause
- Blood pressure
- Cardiovascular risk
- Bone health
- Mental wellbeing
- Other age-appropriate screening
Regular preventive healthcare is not about searching for something wrong. It provides an opportunity to identify risk factors, stay up to date with recommended screening and discuss changes in your health before they become more difficult to manage.
What About Bulk Billing for Cervical Screening?
The Cervical Screening Test itself can attract a Medicare rebate when performed according to the National Cervical Screening Program requirements. Although some people may still refer to cervical screening as a Pap test, the current Australian screening method is the Cervical Screening Test. Consultation, collection or pathology arrangements can vary between healthcare providers.
If you are specifically looking for bulk billing cervical screening, ask the clinic when booking whether any consultation, pathology or other fees may apply.
Confirming costs beforehand can help avoid unexpected expenses.
Cervical Screening at Cranbourne West Medical Centre
If you are due for a Cervical Screening Test, Cranbourne West Medical Centre provides cervical screening as part of its women’s health services. Eligible patients can discuss clinician-collected screening or self-collection with a GP.
If you are searching for a Pap test or Pap smear, remember that Australia now uses the HPV-based Cervical Screening Test instead of the traditional Pap test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you get a Pap test in Australia?
Australia replaced routine Pap smears with HPV-based Cervical Screening Tests in 2017. Most eligible women and people with a cervix aged 25–74 should now have cervical screening every five years.
When is my next smear due?
If your previous Cervical Screening Test found no HPV and you remain eligible for routine screening, your next test will generally be due five years later. If you cannot remember your previous test date or result, speak with your GP or check your screening history through the National Cancer Screening Register. If you previously had a Pap test, your GP can also help determine when your next Cervical Screening Test is due.
Do I need cervical screening if I have had the HPV vaccine?
Yes. HPV vaccination does not protect against every HPV type associated with cervical cancer, so eligible vaccinated people should still participate in routine cervical screening.
Can I do my own cervical screening test?
Many eligible people can choose self-collection. You use a small swab to collect a vaginal sample yourself under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Current Australian guidance considers self-collected samples equally accurate for detecting HPV when approved PCR testing is used.
What if my cervical screening result is positive for HPV?
HPV being detected does not mean you have cervical cancer. Your next steps depend on the HPV type and other findings and may involve repeat testing, additional cell testing or referral for further assessment.
Can I book a Pap smear appointment with a GP?
Yes. GPs and other appropriately qualified healthcare professionals can provide cervical screening. If you are searching for a Pap test or Pap smear appointment near me, remember to ask for a Cervical Screening Test, which is the current screening method used in Australia.
The Bottom Line
If you are wondering how often should you get a Pap test, the key number to remember under Australia’s current cervical screening program is five years.
Most women and people with a cervix who are aged 25–74 and have ever had sexual contact should have a Cervical Screening Test every five years. The current test looks for HPV and has replaced the traditional two-yearly Pap smear.
You may also have the option to collect your own sample, making screening more accessible and comfortable for many people.
If you cannot remember when your next test is due, have previously had an abnormal result, have had a hysterectomy or experience symptoms such as unexplained vaginal bleeding, speak with your GP rather than waiting for your next routine screening date.