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Cervical screening, simplified: is self-collection right for me in 2025?

Summary: 

Self-collected HPV testing is now mainstream in Australia and fully supported by 2025 National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) updates. In Victoria, nearly 1 in 3 Cervical Screening Tests were self-collected within two years of universal access, with similar follow-up timelines to clinician-collected tests. If you’re 25–74, screening every 5 years still applies; 2025 changes streamline follow-up (including test-of-cure and some colposcopy pathways). BioMed Central Department of Health and Ageing+1


Eligible or unsure? Book a screening consult—same-day telehealth available. 


What’s new & why it matters

• Self-collection is now the norm: In Victoria, 29% of screening tests were self-collected in the two years after universal access. Participation improved across older, regional and under-screened groups. BioMed Central

• Guidelines updated (Apr 14, 2025): Annual HPV (not co-test) for HSIL test-of-cure; self-collection allowed for certain follow-ups; clearer colposcopy/LEEP guidance. Department of Health and Ageing


Raising awareness for Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2025 - Book a Consult with Zelica to find out more
Raising awareness for Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2025 - Book a Consult to find out more

Who this is for

  • Women and people with a cervix, ages 25–74, eligible for 5-yearly Cervical Screening Tests (CST). Department of Health and Ageing

  • Anyone who’s overdue or has screening anxiety and would prefer a simple self-collected swab under GP guidance. cancer.org.au

  • People in regional/rural areas or with cultural/logistical barriers who want a quick, private option. BioMed Central

  • Those needing follow-up after prior abnormalities—pathways updated in 2025 (your GP will advise). Department of Health and Ageing


What the latest research shows

  • Self-collection uptake is soaring. In Victoria (Jul 2022–Jun 2024), 29.1% of 598,055 CSTs were self-collected (vs 0.41% before universal access). Uptake was highest in older age groups and regional areas; under-screened participants used it most. BioMed Central

  • Follow-up speed is comparable. Median time to colposcopy for HPV16/18 positives was similar for self- vs clinician-collected samples (≈62–64 days). BioMed Central

  • 2025 NCSP updates streamline care.

  • Program basics unchanged: Routine screening remains every 5 years for ages 25–74. Department of Health and Ageing



What to do next (step-by-step)

  1. Check eligibility & timing. If you’re 25–74 and due/overdue, you can choose self-collection or clinician-collection. Department of Health and Ageingcancer.org.au

  2. Book a telehealth screening consult. We’ll confirm your history via the National Cancer Screening Register, discuss options, and issue a pathology request. Department of Health and Ageing

  3. Choose your collection method.

    • Self-collection: a simple vaginal swab done privately in-clinic or with supervised instructions (no speculum). cancer.org.au

    • Clinician-collection: standard speculum exam if you prefer or if symptoms warrant. Department of Health and Ageing

  4. Receive results & next steps. Most are HPV-negative → 5-year return. If HPV detected, we’ll follow the 2025 pathways (LBC/colposcopy timing, HSIL test-of-cure rules). Department of Health and Ageing

  5. Stay proactive. Add reminders, and pair screening with other prevention (e.g., cardiovascular risk checks). See our cardiac imaging guide →


Costs & access for cervical screening in Australia

  • Pathology (the CST itself): Covered by Medicare when done within NCSP guidelines (self- or clinician-collected). Department of Health and AgeingHealthyWA

  • Consult fees: Vary by provider. Some clinics bulk bill; others charge a gap. (At Zelica Health we use mixed billing; eligibility varies.) cancer.org.auCancer NSW

  • MBS items: Dedicated items exist for clinician-collected vs self-collected primary screening (e.g., 73070/73071), billed by pathology. Health.gov.au



Cervical screening can stop cancer before it starts - book an appointment with us today
Cervical screening can stop cancer before it starts - book an appointment with us today

FAQ

1) Is a self-collected sample as accurate as a clinician-collected one?

Yes—Australia validates self-collection with approved assays. Follow-up timelines and clinical outcomes are comparable; Victorian data show similar time to colposcopy for positives. BioMed Central


2) How often do I need to screen?

Every 5 years from 25 to 74, unless your result or history dictates earlier follow-up. Department of Health and Ageing


3) I had HSIL treated before—what’s changed in 2025?

Test-of-cure is now annual HPV until two consecutive negatives, then you return to routine 5-year screening. Department of Health and Ageing


4) Can I do self-collection for follow-up?

In some situations—e.g., HPV not 16/18 and you’re ≥9 months from your last CST—a self-collected HPV test can be used instead of automatic co-test. Your GP will advise. Department of Health and Ageing


5) Will I pay out-of-pocket?

The pathology test is Medicare-covered under the NCSP when eligible; your consult may attract a fee depending on the clinic. Department of Health and Ageingcancer.org.au



Internal links


Eligible or unsure?



Same-day telehealth available.



References

  1. Australian Government, NCSP 2025 updates (fact sheet), effective 14 Apr 2025. Department of Health and Ageing

  2. Lee A, et al. Exponential uptake of HPV self-collected cervical screening testing (Victoria, 2017–2024). BMC Medicine. 2025. BioMed Central

  3. Australian Government, National Cervical Screening Program—who should screen & intervals. Updated 2025. Department of Health and Ageing

  4. Cancer Council Australia, Self-collection: what it is & who it suits. cancer.org.au

  5. NCSR, Self-collection monitoring—at an all-time high (media/update). National Cancer Screening Register

  6. MBS items 73070/73071 (CST pathology—clinician vs self-collected). Health.gov.au

  7. Cancer Council / Cancer Institute NSW / Healthy WA, Costs & Medicare coverage. cancer.org.auCancer NSWHealthyWA


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