Download Have a Pap test every two years

What if I don’t have any problems?
Pap tests are for well women.
If you have any signs, such as irregular bleeding or
pain, see your doctor or nurse straightaway.
Whatever your age, if you are worried
about something not being right, see your
Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) or local
doctor today.
Do I need a Pap test if I’ve had the HPV vaccine?
If you’re aged between 18 and 69 years and have ever
been sexually active, you should have a Pap smear
every two years.
The HPV or cervical cancer vaccine does not protect
against all the HPV types of viruses that can cause
cervical cancer.
Even if you’ve had the HPV or cervical cancer vaccine,
and even if you no longer have sex, you still need to
have a Pap test every two years.
What if I forget to have my next Pap test?
The NSW Pap Test Register is a confidential reminder
service that will send you a letter if you are overdue for
your Pap test.
For more information, call the
NSW Pap Test Register Infoline on
13 15 56 or visit www.csp.nsw.gov.au
Have a Pap test
every two years
It could save your life
Did you know?
•• Cervical cancer is one of the most
preventable of all cancers.
•• Cervical cancer is a disease where
normal cells in the cervix change and
multiply to form a growth or tumor.
•• A Pap test or Pap smear, also
known as cervical screening, can
find unhealthy changes in the cells
before they develop into cancer.
•• Having regular Pap tests can reduce
your risk of being diagnosed with
cervical cancer by up to 96%.
•• If you have a Pap test every two years,
you are doing the most important
thing possible to avoid this disease.
Tell me about cervical screening
What is a Pap test?
How is a Pap test done?
A Pap test is a quick, simple and safe test that can find
unhealthy changes to the cells of your cervix (entrance to
the womb) that may lead to cervical cancer.
••
You will be asked to take off your clothing from
the waist down. You will usually be given a bed
sheet which you can place over yourself.
The Pap test is the best way of avoiding cervical cancer,
which is commonly caused by the human papillomavirus
(HPV).
••
The nurse or doctor will ask you to bend your knees
and will insert a speculum gently into your vagina.
••
A sample of cells will be collected from your
cervix using a small swab, in a process that takes
a few seconds. The cells are placed on a slide
and sent to a laboratory where they are tested.
••
The doctor or nurse who performs your test
will explain how to find out your results.
••
The test does not take long and is completely safe.
It may be uncomfortable but it should not hurt.
Do I need a Pap test?
If you’re aged between 18 and 69 years and have ever
been sexually active, you should have a Pap test every
two years – even if you’ve had the HPV or cervical cancer
vaccine and even if you no longer have sex.
Where do I go for a Pap test?
You can have a Pap test at an Aboriginal Medical Service,
at your local doctor’s office, a women’s health or family
planning clinic. The test takes just a few minutes.