On December 1, changes to the cervical screening programme in Australia will switch from Pap smears to the human papilloma virus (HPV) test.
While many women don’t exactly know what this means, many are aware that the HPV test will be done every five years, instead of the two-yearly Pap smears.
Here, FEMAIL sits down with leading Australian doctor, Dr Daria Fielder, GP from Sapphire Family Medical Practice, to tell you what you need to know about the HPV – and the biggest misconceptions about the change.
FEMAIL sits down with leading Australian doctor, Dr Daria Fielder (pictured), to tell you what you need to know about the HPV test – which comes into effect on December 1
According to Dr Fielder, the HPV will feel a lot like the Pap smear – it’s done in the same way, but the way the test is processed is different (stock image)
HOW DOES THE NEW TEST DIFFER?
According to Dr Fielder, there is no need to worry – as the HPV will feel a lot like the Pap smear:
‘It’s done in the same way that we collected Pap smears, and it will feel the same, but the way we process the test is changing,’ she told FEMAIL.
‘It’s become a lot more sophisticated. This is why the test will be conducted every five years instead of two – it’s become superior.
‘Five years of research, clinical trials and lots of money has gone into the test. If it comes back negative, it has a much better negative predictive value than a Pap smear.’
Crucially, what you need to know is that the new test will be conducted every five years instead of two.
You will also need to have your first HPV test at age 25, instead of the required age 18 for Pap smears – it will go up to age 74 instead of 69.
Dr Fielder warned that if you are due for a new test soon – or in the next two years – you should still come along at your due date:
‘If you’ve had your normal Pap smear, you’ve had an inferior test,’ she said.
‘This way, you can be sure – and you then won’t need to come back for five years all being well.’
Dr Fielder warned that if you are due for a new test soon – or in the next two years – you should still come along at your due date (stock image)
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS?
While health professionals are assuring women that the HPV is superior to the Pap smear, many remain worried that it’s less frequent and so less effective.
Dr Fielder said, however, that this is not true.
‘Today, we are vaccinated against cervical cancer,’ she said. ‘If you have an abnormal cell, it takes about ten years for it to turn into cancer, so five years is a safe amount of time for testing period.’
The GP added that, because, these days young people are getting vaccinated against HPV, doctors are expecting less cervical cancer overall.
‘The same people might be wondering, if I was vaccinated, why do I still have to have cervical screening?,’ Dr Fielder said.
‘But the vaccine only protects you against some strains of cervical cancer.’
Dr Fielder concluded by saying you should definitely go and see a doctor if you think you have abnormal symptoms in your body, whether they be pain in intercourse or discharge.
‘Make notes of new symptoms and definitely see a professional,’ she said.