Participants

Thank you for your support of cervical cancer research through your participation in the Compass Trial. Even though recruitment has closed, the trial is ongoing and is due for completion by 31st December 2026.

Helping us make a difference

You are one of over 76,000 Australian women helping improve cervical cancer prevention.

We now know that long term infection with certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. The Compass Trial is comparing HPV testing to the Pap smear for cervical cancer screening. ​

In the Compass trial, you will have a test taken from your cervix in exactly the same way as you would usually have a routine Cervical Screening Test except that the cells will be put into a liquid rather than onto a glass slide. This liquid sample can be used to make a Pap smear or a HPV test. Some women in this trial will have a Pap smear, some women will have a test for HPV. ​

If the HPV test is negative, the likelihood of developing cervical cancer is so low that it is safe to leave the next screening test for 5 years. If the HPV test is positive there is a chance of having or developing abnormal cells on the cervix so further tests need to be done. ​

This trial is being conducted by The Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer and The Daffodil Centre.

Trial recruitment is now complete. All patients will have completed follow-up in this trial by December 2026.

FAQ

Answers to the most common questions from Compass trial participants

Compass-PLUS is a questionnaire based research study within the Compass Trial.

Send your new details to the Compass team

Get a better understanding of your cervical screening results.

From mid-2021, Compass trial participants attending for their HPV exit test may be offered the option to access HPV self-collection.

Your cervical screening records held by the Compass Register will be provided to the National Cancer Screening Register

Regular cervical screening is the best way to prevent cervical cancer in all women and people with a cervix

Self-collection is another option that is now available for cervical screening, and involves taking your own swab from the vagina. Find out more about self-collection here

Understand what happens if HPV is found on your Cervical Screening Test and what happens if more tests are needed.

ACPCC is a not-for-profit organisation and only charges patients the Medicare Schedule fee for pathology services, with only a small gap amount payable. 

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SELF COLLECTION

Screening Processes

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