Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, following breast, bowel, and lung cancer.
Approximately 90% of cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which has led to the introduction of HPV testing as a screening method in Australia in 2017.
To encourage greater participation in screening, the option for self-collection was introduced, and several studies have confirmed that it is both safe and accurate.
Starting in April 2025, the Cervical Cancer Guidelines will be updated to include self-collection as part of the screening process, along with new flowcharts and treatment pathways.
Since mid-2022, when the previous eligibility criteria were removed, self-collection has been available as a choice for all participants in routine cervical screening.
Patients can now be given the choice to undergo a cervical screening test using either:
- The traditional way. In this way, the clinician takes the samples from the cervix with a speculum. Some people prefer this way as they do not like the idea of inserting foreign objects in their vaginas.
I prefer it as this allows the clinician to see the cervix and find possible abnormalities. However, this is not the best option for everyone.
The clinician collected the Cervical Screening Test:
(credit: www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-cervical-screening-program)
- Self-collected vaginal sample. During the study performed to find out the accuracy and safety of Self-Collect, participation and follow-up rates were high, and people described it as:
This is a much easier way, and it takes all the fear out of it, as you know you’re not going to hurt yourself, and you don’t feel powerless.
Self-collected Cervical Screening Test:
(credit: www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-cervical-screening-program)
