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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.