Help multicultural women access life-saving cervical screening

The Cervical Screening Test looks for human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cervical cancers. Regular cervical screening can find HPV before it causes changes to the cells of the cervix that may develop into cervical cancer.

You can choose how you want to have your next Cervical Screening Test. You can: 

1. collect your own vaginal sample (self-collection) using a small swab
or
2. have a healthcare provider collect a sample (doctor or nurse collected) from the cervix using a small tool called a speculum and a small brush.

• Both self-collected and clinician-collected Cervical Screening Tests are equally effective at detecting HPV.
• Self-collection is quick, private and accurate.

• Women and people with a cervix
• Aged 25 to 74
• Have ever had sexual contact with anyone
• Have a Medicare card (blue or green)

People who are eligible for cervical screening should have a Cervical Screening Test every five years, even if they have had the HPV vaccine. Cervical screening is for people who do not have symptoms. 

If someone does not have Medicare, they may still be able to access cervical screening. They can contact a local community health service, sexual health clinic or doctor to ask about available services and any costs. It is important to check eligibility and cost before booking an appointment.

Providing information through a one-on-one conversation ensures privacy and allows you to tailor information to individuals. 

For some people, speaking about cancer screening or their own health attitudes can be challenging, so offering a one-on-one approach can provide privacy and allow a fully tailored conversation. Here are resources to support a conversation about cervical screening with an individual within a workplace setting.

Hosting a workplace information session is an effective way to increase awareness of cervical screening, address common barriers, and support more women and people with a cervix to participate in screening. By sharing information with a group, it can help normalise and de-stigmatise the conversation around cervical screening and help motivate more people to screen.

The following information can support you to promote the session.

Email template: Promote a cervical screening information session

Use this email template to invite staff to a cervical screening information session and introduce the option of workplace-based screening. The email also provides an opportunity to gauge staff interest in accessing cervical screening at work, which can help determine whether arranging an onsite screening service would be appropriate.

Adapt the template with your workplace details before sharing it with staff.

Promote cervical screening in the workplace using our posters

Display posters in shared workplace spaces, such as lunchrooms and on the back of bathroom doors, to raise awareness and encourage conversations about cervical screening.

Presentation for your cervical screening session

Cancer Council Victoria has developed a templated PowerPoint you can use to present at your session. If you would like to make suggestions, please contact our team: screening.engagement@cancervic.org.au.

Download the template

Would you like support to deliver a cervical screening information session?

If your workplace would prefer support with delivering a cervical screening information session, you can contact the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health (MCWH). Their experienced Bilingual Health Educators (BHEs) can deliver culturally appropriate information sessions to help staff learn about cervical screening, understand their screening options and make informed decisions about their health.

To enquire about arranging a session at your workplace, please contact MCWH at programs@mcwh.com.au.

Increasing awareness and confidence in cervical screening will encourage more eligible people in the community to book in a Cervical Screening Test.

Using the information below, you can support people in the workplace to book in their next test.

Find a provider that suits your needs

Use Cancer Council Victoria's free Cervical Screening Directory to find and book a cervical screening appointment at a location that suits you. The directory also allows you to search for providers who speak a range of languages.

Telehealth cervical screening service 

People who find it difficult to attend a doctor's clinic may be able to access cervical screening through a telehealth appointment and complete a self-collected Cervical Screening Test at home. Telehealth can help overcome barriers such as distance, transport, time constraints, mobility issues, or access to a regular healthcare provider.

Sexual Health Victoria offers free self-collection Cervical Screening Test appointments via telehealth for all women and people with a cervix across Victoria.

The Women's Health Virtual Clinic (run by Each) offers free Cervical Screening Test consultations via telehealth. The service is available to women, girls and gender-diverse people of all ages across Victoria. No Medicare card or referral is required, and free interpreter services are available. You can access this service through the Virtual Women's Health Clinic.

Find out more  

When supporting community members to book a Cervical Screening Test, check whether they have a Medicare card. People with a green or blue Medicare card can generally access cervical screening through Medicare, often at no cost if the healthcare provider bulk bills. If someone does not have Medicare, they may still be able to access cervical screening. Encourage them to contact a local community health service, sexual health clinic or GP to ask about available services and any costs. It is important to check eligibility and fees before booking, so everyone can be supported to access screening regardless of their Medicare status.

Some staff may find it difficult to attend cervical screening appointments due to work schedules, family responsibilities or other commitments.

Your workplace can help make screening more accessible by arranging for a nurse or healthcare professional to offer cervical screening onsite. With self-collection, eligible staff can collect their own sample in a private space at work.

Interested in offering cervical screening at your workplace? 

Start with the Community Outreach Toolkit for Cervical Screening

This toolkit provides practical guidance and resources to help you plan and organise cervical screening activities at your workplace.

View the Community Outreach Toolkit

Is cervical screening right for your workplace?

Use the checklist to help determine whether your workplace is well placed to offer cervical screening education and navigation.

Cancer Council Victoria has developed educational resources to help people understand their cervical screening results and any recommended follow-up care, including colposcopy referrals. 

Find out more