Screening tests for adults

Many deaths from cervical cancer can be prevented through timely screening. Detection and treatment of precancerous lesions found during a cervical smear test (Pap smear) can actually prevent cervical cancer, as well as find cervical cancer at an early stage when it is most curable.

In Australia:

1. Routine screening with cervical smears should be carried out every two years for women who have no symptoms or history suggestive of cervical pathology
2. All women who have ever been sexually active should start having cervical smears between the ages of 18 and 20 years, or one or two years after first having sexual intercourse, whichever is later. In some cases, it may be appropriate to start screening before 18 years of age
3. Cervical smears may cease at the age of 70 years for women who have had two normal cervical smears within the last five years. Women over 70 years who have never had a cervical smear or who request a cervical smear, should be screened.

This policy applies to women with no symptoms and normal cervical/Pap smear results who should be screened every two years.

Women with abnormal smear results should be managed in accordance with the NHMRC Screening to Prevent Cervical Cancer: Guidelines for the Management of Asymptomatic Women with Screen Detected Abnormalities.

All States and Territories have cervical/Pap smear result registers that help doctors recall women for testing and keep track of any follow-up investigations. For information visit the National Cervical Screening Program.