Why arent you over this by now

The cervical screening test is a new, more accurate way of protecting females against cervical cancer. It was introduced in Australia in December 2017, and is expected to protect almost one third more people from cervical cancer than the old Pap test.

The Pap test used to look for changes in the cells of the cervix, the entrance to the uterus (womb) from the vagina. Now the cervical screening test looks for evidence of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cell changes in the cervix.

The cervical screening test looks and feels the same as the Pap test. But it is only done every 5 years instead of every 2 years, if your results are normal.

If you are a person aged 25 to 74 with a cervix, you should have your first cervical screening test 2 years after your last Pap test.

If you are due for a test, speak to your doctor or call the National Cervical Screening Program on 13 15 56 for more information.

Watch this video to learn more about cervical screening and why the new HPV test has replaced the Pap smear test.

Video provided by Pathology Tests Explained

In July 2022, self-collection of samples for cervical screening tests became available to all people with a cervix aged 25 to 74. This means that you can take your own sample for the test from your vagina, using a swab. But, people who have symptoms of cervical cancer or are experiencing unusual bleeding, pain or discharge are not recommended for self-testing. Speak to your doctor about what’s right for you.

More information on self-collection is available from the Department of Health and Aged Care.

What is HPV?

HPV is a very common virus that is spread through skin-to-skin contact (which often occurs during sex). Almost every case of cervical cancer is caused by genital HPV.

You can be exposed to HPV the first time you have sex, even if you use a condom. In fact, there are more than 100 strains of HPV, and 4 out of 5 people have at least one kind of HPV virus at some time in their lives. There is no treatment for HPV.

HPV doesn’t normally cause any symptoms and often goes away by itself. But some types of the HPV virus can remain in the body and eventually cause abnormal cells to develop. This can lead to cancer of the cervix, anus, vagina, vulva, penis or throat.

HPV can also cause genital warts, which can be easily treated. Having genital warts does not mean you will get cancer — they are caused by a different type of HPV virus.

The HPV vaccine

As well as introducing the cervical screening test, the Australian Government now vaccinates all school children aged 12–13 against HPV. It’s free, as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Older children aged up to 19 can receive free catch-up vaccinations from their GP or primary health care clinic, and older adults can still access the HPV vaccine at a cost.

Who needs the cervical screening test?

You do not need to start having cervical screening tests until you turn 25. If you’re younger than 25, you are highly unlikely to have cervical cancer and have probably been vaccinated against HPV as part of the NIP.

You should have the test if:

• you are aged 25 to 74 years old
• you have a cervix
• you have ever been sexually active

You need to have regular cervical screening tests even if you have been vaccinated against HPV, or if you identify as lesbian or transgender.

What to expect from your cervical screening test

If your test is performed by a doctor or nurse, it is like having a Pap test. While you lie on your back with your knees bent, the doctor or nurse inserts an instrument called a speculum into your vagina so they can see the cervix. Then they use a brush to take a sample of cells from the cervix.

If you decide to do the test yourself through self-collection, your healthcare provider will give you a swab and instructions on how to collect your sample.

The sample is put into a tube that contains liquid and sent to a laboratory to be analysed. Your doctor will talk to you about the results, which could indicate:

• You don’t have an HPV infection. You don’t need another cervical screening test for another 5 years. You will be sent a reminder from the National Cervical Screening Program.
• You have an HPV infection. Your body will probably get rid of the HPV by itself. But you will need another cervical screening test in 12 months. It takes 10 to 15 years for cervical cancer to develop. If the second test is clear, you won’t need another test for 5 years. If you still have the HPV infection after 12 months, you may need to see a specialist.
• You have a certain type of HPV, or abnormal cells were found. Your doctor will refer you to a specialist for more tests. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer.
• You have an unsatisfactory test result. The laboratory could not read your sample. You will have to repeat the test in 6 to 12 weeks. It does not mean something is wrong.

Myths and frequently asked questions

• 'Now there are no Pap tests I don’t need any more invasive tests.' The cervical screening test is done in the same way as the Pap test. The only difference is you only need it every 5 years, not every 2 years.
• 'The cervical screening test won’t pick up cervical cancer that isn’t caused by HPV.' More than 99% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV; only very rare types of cervical cancer (fewer than 1%) are unrelated to HPV.
• 'Cervical cancer could be missed in young women because they aren’t being tested.' Cervical cancer is very rare in women under 25 — fewer than 2 women in every 100,000 have it.
• 'I don’t need the test because I don’t have any symptoms.' HPV does not usually cause any symptoms. The cervical screening test aims to prevent cervical cancer, so you need it even if you are healthy.
• 'The test is painful.' The test should not be painful. Try to be as relaxed as possible to avoid any discomfort.
• 'I only need the test if I’m sexually active.' Cervical cancer can take 10 to 15 years to develop. If you have ever been sexually active — even just once, with males or females — you should still have the cervical screening test.
• 'I have had the HPV vaccination, so I don’t need the test.' The HPV vaccination does not protect against every kind of HPV. You need regular cervical cancer screening even if you have been vaccinated.

Where to seek more information

• Visit the National Cervical Screening Program website, or call 13 15 56.

How Trauma Messes You Up And What To Do About It

Because of what happened...

I'm worthless.

I'm not lovable.

I can't trust anyone.

I have to be perfect.

I must have done something wrong.

Nothing will ever get better.

If that sounds a lot like your inner dialogue, then it's time to put those lies to rest.

Trauma is insidious. Lingering for years, decades, unaddressed and unresolved. In Why Aren’t You Over This By Now, Susan Bachmann and Dr. Kelly James help you understand how trauma may have affected your life, the process of trauma therapy with actual case examples, when to seek professional help, and introduce you to the different options for therapy.

Susan Bachmann,

M.Ed., LPC, NCC,

Registered Play Therapist

EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist

Certified Emotion Code Practitioner

Certified Body Code Practitioner

Learn More

Kelly James,

PhD, LPC, NCC

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional

Certified Emotion Code Practitioner

Certified Body Code Practitioner

Certified Professional Coach

EMDR Therapy Trained

Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor

Learn More

PURCHASE

Amazon.com Customer Review Rating

“This book has practical and important information about trauma. It invites readers to think about trauma in new ways and find strength and motivation to address their pain. If you are looking for a book on trauma, this a must-read.”

— Dr. Edward Ewe,

PH.D., COUNSELOR, LMHC, NCC, ACS

“Dr. Kelly James is an incredible person that has enriched both my husband and my lives. I would encourage you to order her book… or consider purchasing it for someone you know that is hurting. I am confident her book will be the missing link in the steps to healing for many readers.”

— S.H.

“This book is an incredible companion to those looking to start, continue, or re-engage in therapy.”

— Alina Garbuz,

Susan Bachmann,

Susan Bachmann is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, a Registered Play Therapist, an EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist, a certified Emotion Code practitioner, and is working on becoming a certified Body Code practitioner. She is a co-owner of a private practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma and mostly works with those struggling with the aftermath of trauma, including childhood abuse and neglect, still-births, loss of children, medical trauma, accidents, as well as relationship and parenting difficulties.

Susan started her professional career as a Certified Public Accountant and worked for over 20 years in corporate financial accounting. During that time, she learned that it is possible to become very good at something you do not like and are not suited to, especially if you are doing it to earn the right to exist. The challenge for her was not in “the doing,” but in choosing “what to do.” The turning point came when a naturopathic doctor told her “if you keep doing what you are doing, you will spend a lot of money on doctors and hospitals and die young.” She immediately started back to school to study counseling.

Initially she worked exclusively with children in foster care, not only to help the children heal, but to also help their parents heal and reunite with them, as well. When moving from working exclusively with children and into working with adults, she quickly discovered that “the worried well” might not exist after all—that trauma is pervasive and the pain people carry is real, intense, and often hidden behind what appears to be success.

Susan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Tulsa, and a Masters degree in Counseling from the University of Houston.  She also completed Dr. Bruce Perry's Neurosesquential Model of Therapeutics training program.

ftrctulsa.org

Kelly James,

Dr. Kelly A. James, LPC, brings a background of psychology and mental health clinical experience. She has worked in the field since 1997 in a variety of positions. She focuses her research, presentations, and training interests on the neurobiology of trauma, how trauma impacts the individual, child therapy with an emphasis on parenting skills, quantum physics, and energetic healing.

She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP), a National Board Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner (CECP), a Certified Body Code Practitioner (CBCP), a Certified Life Coach (CLC), a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), a Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor (RPT-S), EMDR Therapy trained, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. Dr. James has presented on trauma related issues on the local, state, regional, national, and international level since 2004. Dr. James is an Associate Professor in the Graduate Professional Counseling program in the College of Theology and Ministry.

Dr. James was fortunate to work as a Clinical Supervisor for the children’s program at Green Country Behavioral Health in collaboration with Dr. Bruce Perry, Senior Fellow, Child Trauma Academy in Houston. Dr. Perry is the world-renowned child trauma professional and his model is the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), which helps clinicians understand how trauma impacts brain development and how to grow the brain up after traumatic experiences. Dr. James’ responsibility was to design and oversee implementation of the NMT in the head-start classrooms.

Dr. James earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Arkansas, two master’s degrees from Oral Roberts University: A Master of Arts in Christian Counseling – Licensed Professional Counseling and a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling – Marriage and Family Therapy. She also earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

drkellyajames.com