Are you due for a cervical screening test?
13 January 2026
Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue by 2035 — but only if people continue to participate in screening and vaccination programs.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of staying up to date with cervical screening, even for those who have received the HPV vaccine, alongside research in Australia that is advancing care for people diagnosed with the disease.
The Power of Prevention: HPV Vaccination
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the underlying cause of almost all cervical cancers. The HPV vaccine, provided free in Australia through the National Immunisation Program, protects against the most common high-risk HPV types — including those responsible for around 90 % of cervical cancers.
For young people vaccinated before exposure to HPV, the vaccine is highly effective. However, vaccination does not protect against all cancer-causing HPV types. Some less common high-risk types are not covered by the vaccine, and people vaccinated later in life may have already been exposed.
“HPV vaccination is a breakthrough - it prevents the types of infection that cause most cervical cancers - but it’s only part of the prevention story,” explains Professor Linda Mileshkin, Director of Medical Oncology at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
What the Cervical Screening Program Does
Australia’s National Cervical Screening Program invites eligible individuals aged 25–74 to have a Cervical Screening Test every five years if results are normal. The test looks for high-risk HPV infection - not just abnormal cells - allowing earlier intervention before cancer develops.
The switch from Pap smears every two years to HPV-based screening every five years has made the program more accurate and effective in catching early changes that could lead to cancer.
“Screening works because it doesn’t wait for symptoms - it finds HPV and early cell changes before cancer develops,” Prof Mileshkin explains.
“That’s why every eligible person should commit to their screening schedule, regardless of vaccination status.”
Despite the proven benefits of screening, many people still miss their tests. Recent data shows that more than a quarter of eligible women in Australia had not been screened within the recommended five-year interval - a gap that contributes to preventable illness and death.
This option has been a game-changer for equity in cervical screening, proving to be popular in Australia’s most under-screened groups – including the First Nations, multicultural, LGBTQIA+, disability, and regional and remote communities.
Why Vaccination + Screening — Not One or the Other
It’s a common misconception that HPV vaccination means you can skip screening. This is not the case. The vaccine reduces risk but doesn’t eliminate it - and high-risk HPV types outside the vaccine’s protection can still cause cervical cancer.
“Vaccination is the first important step,” Prof Mileshkin explains, “but screening is the safety net. Together, they offer the best protection.”
Australia’s success in reducing cervical cancer rates is largely due to this dual approach - vaccination in early teens and regular screening in adults - and ongoing public health efforts to keep participation high.
Individuals who are sexually active and unvaccinated are encouraged to discuss HPV vaccination with their GP, as it may still reduce the risk of future HPV-related disease.
Research and Trials at Peter Mac
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre together with partners from the Parkville precinct including the Royal Women’s Hospital are at the forefront of clinical research to improve outcomes for people diagnosed with cervical and other gynaecological cancers.
Professor Mileshkin is an international leader in clinical trials for gynaecological cancers, and has driven practice-changing research in this field.
One such milestone is Australia’s participation in major cervical cancer treatment trials - helping refine and optimise therapy approaches. Prof Mileshkin and her colleagues’ work ensures that patients have access to cutting-edge treatment options guided by evidence.
“Research is about giving back evidence-based care to every patient,” says Prof Mileshkin.
“Our aim is to translate discoveries into better outcomes - whether that’s through prevention, treatment, or supportive care.”
What You Can Do This Awareness Month
✔ Book or check your cervical screening test
✔ If eligible, ensure HPV vaccination is up to date
✔ Talk to your GP about your screening history and any barriers you may face
✔ Encourage your family, friends, and community to participate in prevention
Cervical cancer is largely preventable — but only if we continue to screen, vaccinate, and support research. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to remind every eligible person: prevention saves lives.