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Cervix cancer
All women aged 18 to 70 who have ever been sexually active should have a Pap smear every 2 years, even if they're no longer having sex. By doing this, up to 90 per cent of cervical cancers can be prevented.
Cancer of the cervix is one of the most preventable of all cancers. A Pap smear can find early warning signs long before cancer of the cervix develops. Sometimes the tiny cells of the cervix start to change from normal to abnormal. This can happen without you knowing. These abnormal cells can be watched and treated before they turn into cancer. What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear is a quick and simple test to check the health of the cervix. Cells are collected from your cervix and sent to a laboratory where they are tested for changes. While over 90 per cent of Pap smears are normal, a Pap smear can find early changes that can be watched to prevent cervical cancer.
Where can I have a Pap smear?  your doctor some women’s health centres and some community health centres Aboriginal health services The Migrant Health Service ShineSA clinics. Ask your doctor or health service provider how much your test will cost when you make your appointment .
Your Pap smear results will be sent to your doctor in about 1-2 weeks. Check to see if you need to ring to get your results. Over 90 per cent of Pap smears are normal.
I've heard about HPV and a vaccine - what do I need to know?
Most changes in the cells of the cervix are due to an infection called HPV - human papillomavirus. There are more than 100 types of HPV.
Anyone who has ever had sex can have HPV - it is so common that four out of five people will have had HPV at some time in their lives. In most women, the virus clears up naturally in 1-2 years.
Although HPV infection can cause cell changes that could lead to cervix cancer, it usually takes a long time -often more than 10 years. There is now a vaccine that can prevent new infection with the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer.
The vaccine is approved in Australia for females between the ages of 12-13 years. See National HPV Vaccination Program You still need regular Pap smears because the HPV vaccine does not protect against all the HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. Remember
Although HPV is very common, cervical cancer is not common. Most women with HPV won't get cervical cancer. It usually takes around 10 years for changes to cervical cells caused by HPV to progress to cancer. Regular Pap smears are your best protection against getting cervical cancer. See your doctor if you ever get any symptoms like unusual bleeding, even if your last Pap smear was normal.
Find out more
SA Cervix Screening - answers many questions about who should have a Pap smear, what the results mean and the SA Cervix Screening Program. National Cervical Screening Program - additional resources, including HPV and cervix cancer, and resources in other languages.
National HPV Vaccination Program - who is eligible and how to get the vaccine
Cervical cancer screening - Cancer Council Australia position statement
Understanding your Pap smear test results - Cancer Council Australia fact sheet  Top |
Prevention & early detection 
