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Self-Collection
Could Save Your Life
Regular cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancer.
Who needs to get
a cervical screening test?
If you have a cervix and have had sex (any type of sex*), it’s recommended to have a cervical screening test every 5 years from the age of 25.
This test will look for HPV on the cervix and monitor any changes.
Detecting HPV and monitoring changes is important in preventing cervical cancer.
You can learn more about HPV and self-collection here: What is HPV and what are the cervical screening options?
*This includes skin to skin genital contact, finger penetration, oral sex, or sharing of toys.
What is self-collection?
Self-collection is simply doing the cervical screening test yourself.
For self-collection you’ll need to see a doctor or health clinic and request a self-collection cervical screening test.
Self-collection is just as accurate as a clinician collected swab.
Your doctor, nurse or health worker will then provide you with instructions for self-collection. This will enable you to, in private, collect your own cells from your vagina/front-hole using a cotton swab.
Your results should be available in two weeks.
What about self-collection for trans and gender diverse people?
It’s important to know the options available to you when it comes to cervical screening and self-collection can be an important way to make cervical screening easier and less stressful.
There may be times where you need a clinician collected sample, such as previous history of an abnormal test result. In this instance, you can ask your health worker if you can insert the speculum yourself.
It’s a good idea to check out Trans Health SA’s website and find a GP that is both affirming and has self-collection as an option for cervical screening. We recommend checking that your doctor has self-collection as an option before making an appointment. Visit: www.transhealthsa.com
Further information
Cancer Council SA Cervical Screening
SHINE SA HPV and Cervical Screening
SHINE SA Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Trans Hub Cervical Screening
Posters for Healthcare Professionals/Organisations
A set of two posters encouraging cervical screening self-collection. This activity is supported by grant funding from Wellbeing SA.