More about the campaign

Campaign overview

As of 1 July 2022, all women and people with a cervix under the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) will be able to self-collect their own sample for cervical screening.  The change will give participants a choice in screening method – either clinician-collected or self-collected. Universal access to self-collection has the potential to mitigate some of the cultural and personal barriers that may discourage some people from screening, especially:

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women;
  • culturally and linguistically diverse communities;
  • those who identify as LGBTIQ+;
  • those with disability;
  • those who have experienced sexual violence;
  • post-menopausal women; and
  • those who have had previous negative cervical screening experiences.

The At Your Cervix: self-collection campaign comes at an opportune time to proactively communicate the availability and importance of self-collection as an alternative option for screening participants.

This campaign is focused on maximising the uptake of cervical screening by increasing the awareness, understanding and confidence in self-collection for cervical screening. With two options for cervical screening now available, this campaign is a strong reminder for women and people with a cervix to prioritise their health by booking their Cervical Screening Test.

Funded by the WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program, the aim of the At Your Cervix: self-collection campaign is to:

  • increase awareness among health professionals and the wider community of upcoming changes to the NCSP Self-collection policy.
  • increase cervical screening participation to protect the health of our communities and ultimately save lives.

Key campaign messages

Cervical screening is changing. As of 1 July 2022, there are two ways to have a Cervical Screening Test (CST). You can now choose to screen by:

  • collecting your own sample (this is also called self-collection); or
  • having a healthcare provider collect your sample.
Both options are accurate, safe and effective ways to participate in cervical screening.
Talk with your healthcare provider about which option is best for you.
For women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 years, a CST every five years is your best protection against cervical cancer.
Cervical screening can prevent the development of cervical cancer by detecting HPV early, before it has the chance to cause cell changes which may lead to cervical cancer.
Choose a healthcare provider through Healthy WA Service Finder