• About Pap tests or Pap smears
• What is a Pap test?
• Where can I have a Pap test?
• When should I have Pap tests?
• How much do Pap tests cost?
• Pap test reminder letters
• Benefits of the Pap test
• What to expect for your first Pap test
• Tips to assist you
• Limitations of the Pap test
• Other tests
• Who should have Pap tests or Pap smears?
• The human papillomavirus (HPV)
• The cervical cancer vaccine
• Abnormal Pap test (or Pap smear) results and treatment
• Cervical cancer

Tips to assist you

Pap tests can be a little awkward, but there are some things you can do to make it easier.

Find a doctor or nurse you are comfortable with

The most important thing you can do to make sure you have a good experience is to find a doctor or nurse you are comfortable with to take your Pap test.

• Talk to friends or family members to see if they can recommend a good Pap test provider.
  
  
• You may also like a friend to come to the appointment with you.
  
  
• Many women prefer to have their Pap test taken by a female. You can find a female doctor or nurse close to where you live or work by using our Pap test provider directory.
  
  
• Many clinics will book a double appointment if they are aware the appointment is for a Pap test, which allows more time to discuss any concerns you may have. You may like to mention that the appointment is for a Pap test when you call the clinic.
  
  
• If you are unsure about the Pap test and how it works, ask your doctor or nurse to talk you through it first.

Remember - if you feel uncomfortable, you can stop the Pap test at any time.

Let the clinic know about any special needs

Make sure you tell the clinic about any special needs you have when you book the appointment, for instance:

• An interpreter
  
  
• Sign interpreter
  
  
• A clinic where your language is spoken
  
  
• A clinic with disability access.

If clinics have any of these services available, it is usually listed in our Pap test provider directory.

You can also call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 to access this information.

If you need help accessing this information in a language other than English, call TIS on 13 14 50 and ask to be connect to the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20 and an interpreter will help you speak to a nurse.

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