Australia Explained: The cervical screening test that could save your life

Cervical cancer is preventable, but only if you catch it early. Cultural and personal barriers have often meant that women avoid cervical cancer testing. But now with the help of a world-leading test, Australia is aiming to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035. The test is a safe and culturally sensitive option for women from all backgrounds. Best of all it could save your life—or that of someone close to you.

A patient is examined by a gynaecologist in a gynecological chair. Credit: Stockphoto / stefanamer/Getty Images

Key Points

• Cervical screenings save lives by detecting the presence of the human papillomavirus
• If not detected early, HPV infections can lead to serious health problems including cancer.
• Women from multicultural backgrounds are under-screened.
• Self-screening removes cultural barriers to testing