Free Cervical screening (Pap smear) for Vietnamese women
Regular Pap tests can prevent up to 90 per cent of the most common cervical cancers. A Pap test picks up early warning signs that can be treated before cancer develops.
Persistent infection with high-risk types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix, which if left untreated, may change and multiply to form a growth or tumour.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable of cancers. If you have a Pap test every two years you are doing the most important thing possible to avoid this disease.
What is a Pap test?
A Pap test is a quick and simple test that checks for changes to the cells of your cervix (entrance to the womb) that may lead to cervical cancer.
Most women who develop cervical cancer have not had regular Pap tests. The most common types of cervical cancer may take up to ten years to develop, it is important to have two yearly Pap tests, so that any abnormal cells can be detected early.
Do I need a Pap test?
If you’re aged between 18 and 70 years and have ever been sexually active, even with just one partner, you should have a Pap test every two years – even if you’ve had the cervical cancer vaccine and even if you no longer have sex.
If you are near 70 years of age and have never had a Pap test, it is not too late and we still recommend that you have one.
Pap tests are for ‘well women’. If you have any signs such as irregular bleeding or pain, see your doctor or nurse straight away.
Where do I go for a Pap test?
You can have a Pap test in just a few minutes at your local doctor’s practice, or a health or Family Planning clinic.
It is ok to choose a provider who is not your regular doctor, if it makes having the test more comfortable. When you’ve chosen the location and health provider that will make you feel the most comfortable, call and make an appointment, or search for a provider who performs Pap tests.
What does the Pap test involve?
When you arrive for your Pap test, your provider will take you to a private room where you will be asked to undress from your waist down and lie down. You will usually be given a sheet to cover yourself with.
You’ll be asked to keep your knees wide apart as the doctor, nurse or health worker gently inserts a speculum into your vagina. The speculum is made of plastic or metal, and holds open your vagina so your cervix can be seen.
Cells are then collected from your cervix using a small swab in a process that takes a few seconds. The test does not take long and it is completely safe. It may be uncomfortable, but it should not hurt.
What happens once my test is over?
You will be asked to dress in private, while the provider prepares the sample for testing. The cells are placed on a slide and sent to a laboratory where they are tested. The person who performs your Pap test will explain how to find out your results. If abnormal changes are found, you’ll be contacted by your provider for further tests.
A small number of Pap tests show changes to some of the cells in your cervix, which may need more tests. If you do require more tests, don’t worry, most changes are not cancer.
What is the cervical cancer vaccine?
The cervical cancer vaccine will help protect your daughter against the most common cancer causing types of the Human Papillion Virus (HPV). Even after having the vaccination, two yearly Pap tests are still important as the vaccine only protects against the most common types of HPV (Read the information pamphlet in your language)
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable of cancers. If you have a Pap test every two years you are doing the most important thing possible to avoid this disease.
What is a Pap test?
A Pap test is a quick and simple test that checks for changes to the cells of your cervix (entrance to the womb) that may lead to cervical cancer.
Most women who develop cervical cancer have not had regular Pap tests. The most common types of cervical cancer may take up to ten years to develop, it is important to have two yearly Pap tests, so that any abnormal cells can be detected early.
Do I need a Pap test?
If you’re aged between 18 and 70 years and have ever been sexually active, even with just one partner, you should have a Pap test every two years – even if you’ve had the cervical cancer vaccine and even if you no longer have sex.
If you are near 70 years of age and have never had a Pap test, it is not too late and we still recommend that you have one.
Pap tests are for ‘well women’. If you have any signs such as irregular bleeding or pain, see your doctor or nurse straight away.
Where do I go for a Pap test?
You can have a Pap test in just a few minutes at your local doctor’s practice, or a health or Family Planning clinic.
It is ok to choose a provider who is not your regular doctor, if it makes having the test more comfortable. When you’ve chosen the location and health provider that will make you feel the most comfortable, call and make an appointment, or search for a provider who performs Pap tests.
What does the Pap test involve?
When you arrive for your Pap test, your provider will take you to a private room where you will be asked to undress from your waist down and lie down. You will usually be given a sheet to cover yourself with.
You’ll be asked to keep your knees wide apart as the doctor, nurse or health worker gently inserts a speculum into your vagina. The speculum is made of plastic or metal, and holds open your vagina so your cervix can be seen.
Cells are then collected from your cervix using a small swab in a process that takes a few seconds. The test does not take long and it is completely safe. It may be uncomfortable, but it should not hurt.
What happens once my test is over?
You will be asked to dress in private, while the provider prepares the sample for testing. The cells are placed on a slide and sent to a laboratory where they are tested. The person who performs your Pap test will explain how to find out your results. If abnormal changes are found, you’ll be contacted by your provider for further tests.
A small number of Pap tests show changes to some of the cells in your cervix, which may need more tests. If you do require more tests, don’t worry, most changes are not cancer.
What is the cervical cancer vaccine?
The cervical cancer vaccine will help protect your daughter against the most common cancer causing types of the Human Papillion Virus (HPV). Even after having the vaccination, two yearly Pap tests are still important as the vaccine only protects against the most common types of HPV (Read the information pamphlet in your language)
