Cervical Cancer Screening is Changing

On 1st December 2017 the 2 yearly Pap smear will be replaced with 5 yearly cervical screening.

What does that mean?

Starting from 1st December 2017:

• Women over the age of 25 will be invited by the National Cancer Screening Register to participate in the National Cervical Screening Program.
• The time between tests will change from 2 to 5 years.
• The cervical screening program will be available to women between the ages of 25 and 74 years.
• Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccinated women STILL require cervical screening as the HPV vaccine does not protect against all the types of HPV that may cause cervical cancer.
• Women of any age who have symptoms such as unusual bleeding, discharge or pain should see their health care professional immediately.

How is a sample collected?  The procedure for collecting the sample for cervical cancer screening is the same as the procedure for having a Pap smear.