Self-collection for cervical screening has arrived – here’s all you need to know about it

On 1 July 2022, the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) expanded test options, offering self-collection as a choice to all people eligible for cervical screening (unless a co-test is indicated).

This change means all women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 years will have the choice to screen using either:

1. a self-collected vaginal sample, or
2. a clinician collected sample from the cervix

Patients will access both options, including self-collection, through a healthcare provider.

These changes mean healthcare providers may start to see an increase in the volume of requests from patients to use self-collection as an option for their Cervical Screening Test.

Is the self-collected sample accurate?

Recent evidence demonstrates a Cervical Screening Test using a self-collected vaginal sample is as accurate as a clinician-collected sample taken from the cervix during a speculum examination.

The benefits for patients

When discussing Cervical Screening Test options with a patient, clear information must be given about the benefits and drawbacks of both sample collection options (including possible follow-up requirements) to ensure your patient can make an informed decision.

Removing barriers to screening

Self-collection provides a level of control and choice for many patients, removing a significant cervical screening barrier for those less likely to screen, including people who:

• are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• are culturally and linguistically diverse
• identify as LGBTIQ+
• have a disability
• have experienced sexual violence
• are post-menopausal
• have had previous negative cervical screening experiences.

Self-collection may be more acceptable to these groups.

Most cervical cancers are found in people who have never screened or screened less regularly than recommended.

How to prepare

Healthcare providers are encouraged to:

• become familiar with the range of resources available to support you and your patients; and
• engage early with your pathology laboratory to confirm they support processing self-collected vaginal samples and order the required swabs and other consumables.

Resources

Guideline changes

• National Cervical Screening Program clinical guidelines
• Frequently Asked Questions (and video) about the changes to the guidelines

National information

• NCSP information and support – contains information and resources for healthcare providers
• NCSP Program Update – contains key messages for healthcare providers
• Self-collection website – contains self-collection resources and videos for the public

National resources

• Resources for healthcare providers – includes the management pathway, pathology test guide, quick reference guide, FAQs
• Cervical screening resources for the public – includes visual guides, fact sheets, brochures, videos
• Translated resources for the public – includes visual guides, fact sheets, brochures, videos

Queensland videos

• Short patient videos about cervical screening, including self-collection option
• Short patient video about self-collection only

Education and training

Education modules are also available if you or your staff would like to learn more about cervical screening and self-collection:

• True Relationships and Reproductive Health education module Cancer Screening Education for General Practitioners. This online course provides information, resources, and tools to support GPs and their practice in their ongoing role to promote and manage clients through the three cancer screening programs (bowel, breast, and cervical). This module is 4hrs/40 RACGP points.
• True Relationships and Reproductive Health short course on Self-collection; this can be completed in around 30 minutes.
• ACPCC self-collection module Cervical Screening, HPV and Self-Collection: Clinical Education Course. This module is 4hrs/40 RACGP points.

Related News

Interactive videos available for cervical screening and colposcopy

Queensland Health has developed short animated interactive videos to help people learn more about cervical screening (including the self-collection option) and colposcopy. Videos can be sent as a text message link and are available here:

• www.cancerscreening.com.au/cervical (short videos about cervical screening, including self-collection option)
• https://vimeo.com/711101105/3eec40d872 (short video about self-collection only)
• www.cancerscreening.com.au/colpsocopy (short videos about colposcopy)

Recently, a randomised control trial was undertaken at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, with some women sent a text message link to the videos about colposcopy and some receiving standard care only. Of women who viewed the videos, 94 per cent stated that it improved their colposcopy experience, with many positive comments received, such as: "I really appreciated receiving this video - it was easy to navigate and a pleasure to watch".