CST is the new pap smear and why do you need it?
If you’re female, you’re going to need numerous CST (Cervical Screening Tests) over your lifetime. But what is a CST? And are CST's necessary?
WHAT IS A CST?
The Cervical Screening Test is a simple procedure to check the health of your cervix. If you have ever had a Pap test before, the way the test is done will feel the same.
The Cervical Screening Test replaces the two-yearly Pap test for people. If you're aged 25 to 74 you should have your first Cervical Screening Test two years after your last Pap test.
The Cervical Screening Test is more accurate at detecting human papillomavirus (known as HPV).
HPV is a common virus that can cause changes to cells in your cervix, which in rare cases can develop into cervical cancer.
WHY HAS SCREENING CHANGED FROM 2 TO 5 YEARS?
The Cervical Screening Test is more accurate at detecting HPV. The Pap test used to look for cell changes in the cervix, whereas the new Cervical Screening Test looks for the HPV which can lead to cell changes in the cervix.
Because of this, it is safe for you if your test does not indicate (show) you have a HPV infection to wait five years between tests. Even if your test shows you have HPV it usually takes 10 or more years for HPV to develop into cervical cancer and cervical cancer is a rare outcome of a HPV infection.
WHEN WILL I GET THE RESULTS OF MY PAP SMEAR?
The results of your CST will generally be returned within two weeks.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO HAVE A CST?
Once you have had your first Cervical Screening Test, you will only need to have one every five years instead of every two, if your results are normal.
DO CST HURT?
While the process certainly isn’t overly comfortable, your CST should not be painful. The whole process is over very quickly and you’ll be able to re-commence your day’s activities.
I’M TOO SCARED TO GET A CST
While a CST can sound a little scary, it’s truly not that bad, and will be over before you know it. If you’re really nervous about it though, don’t be shy to speak to the friendly and compassionate staff at Stela Obstetrics and Gynaecology about the process and how they can help you. It’s such an important part of monitoring the health of every woman. There’s also no need to be embarrassed about getting a CST Dr Suzana is highly experienced at taking CST's; it’s a very normal part of her job and she will help you to feel comfortable and relaxed.
WHERE TO GET YOUR CST IN MELBOURNE
Dr Suzana Kotevska is a highly experience obstetrician and gynaecologist, and she strives to ensure all her patients feel completely at ease and relaxed at their consultation. Apart from English, Dr Kotevska also speaks Macedonian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Bosnian and Croatian which allows her to provide excellent and personalised care to women of many backgrounds.