Women under 25 are not eligible for the Cervical Screening Test. This is because cervical cancer is extremely rare in women under 25. In fact, in Australia, there are around 10-15 cases a year for women in this age group.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) has been an effective means of protecting women against some of the leading causes of cervical cancer.
Because of this, in 2017, the advice relating to screening changed. Previously women were encouraged to have the Pap Test from the age of 18, but the current advice is for women to have the Cervical Screening Test every five years from age 25 to 74. We understand that the idea of waiting until you're 25 to test may seem confusing or unsafe. Here we answer your questions about what the Cervical Screening Test means for young women under the age of 25.
- How will I know when to start getting screened?
- I'm vaccinated - do I still need to do the test when I turn 25?
- The HPV vaccine helps protect against cervical cancer
- What if I've had an abnormal result before?
If you are experiencing any symptoms of cervical cancer - even if they seem minor - it's always good to check in with your GP. Acting early can make a big difference.