Cervical screening (Pap smear) and prevention

Cancer of the cervix is one of the most preventable cancers through regular cervical screening.  Most women who develop cervical cancer have not had regular Pap smears. Some types of the human papillomavirus (HPV)—a common sexually transmitted virus—have been linked to the development of cervical cancer, although most women with HPV will not develop cervical cancer.

Having a regular Pap smear—every 2 years—is the best way of preventing cervical cancer by detecting cervical changes caused by HPV.  In rare cases, these changes may lead to cervical cancer but if found early can be easily treated before cancer develops.  When cervical cancer develops, HPV is found in almost all cases.  A number of other factors may increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, including increasing age, smoking, and lowered immunity.

Queensland Cervical Screening Program

The Queensland Cervical Screening Program is part of the National Cervical Screening Program, promoting regular screening with Pap smears (every 2 years).

Authorised Pap smear providers provide cervical screening services throughout Queensland.

Who is eligible?

All sexually active women should start having Pap smears between the ages of 18 and 20 years or 1–2 years after first having sexual intercourse, whichever is later.  Pap smears should be carried out every 2 years for women who do not have symptoms or history of cervical pathology. 

Women do not need regular Pap smears if they:

• are aged 70 years or over and have had two normal Pap smears in the last five years
• have had some types of hysterectomy.  Women who have had a hysterectomy should discuss their need for cervical screening with their doctor.

Regular Pap smears are still important for women who have been vaccinated against cervical cancer.

Find a Pap smear provider

• Generally your doctor will perform your Pap smear. You can make an appointment directly with your doctor or practice nurse, making sure you mention it is for a Pap smear so they can book the appropriate amount of time. 
• You can call Women’s Health Queensland Wide on (07) 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (outside Brisbane only) to find a local Pap smear provider who suits your requirements or to answer any questions you may have about Pap smears.
• Family Planning Queensland clinics also provide Pap smear services - find your nearest clinic online or phone (07) 3250 0240. 
• Women in rural and remote areas of Queensland can make an appointment with a mobile Women’s Health Service nurse.  In some areas an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s health worker works with the nurse.

Queensland Health Pap Smear Register

The Queensland Health Pap Smear Register (PSR) is a database that contains a complete history of Pap smears and other related test results for Queensland women.

The Pap Smear Register will:

• send you a reminder letter if you are overdue for your regular Pap smear
• work with your Pap smear provider to help ensure you have follow-up tests if needed
• keep a history of your results to assist your Pap smear provider and pathology laboratory when they examine your current Pap smear 
• provide a list of all your previous Pap smear results (since 1999) at your request

• assist in providing a better understanding of cervical abnormalities, their prevention and effective treatment.

Cervical changes

It is rare for women to have any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer early in the disease.  If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause or intermittent bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain, you should contact your doctor.

Contact us

Update your contact details or find out the date of your last Pap smear

If you would like to update your contact details or cannot remember when you had your last Pap smear, contact the Pap Smear Register on 1800 777 790 or (07) 3328 9989 (if calling from outside Queensland).

General information

For general information about cervical screening in Queensland visit the Queensland Cervical Screening Program website, email cssb@health.qld.gov.au, or phone 13 15 16.