Cervical screening Whakamātautau waha kōpū
Mahoe Med in Te Awamutu
are celebrating Women’s health and extend an invitation to all their Wāhine to come and have a free smear! There will be a free Women’s GP available on the day for those having their smear to discuss any sexual health needs.
All Women welcome even if you are not registered with Mahoe Med.
Are you between 25 and 69? It is time to screen
In New Zealand, about 160 women develop cervical cancer each year – and about 50 die from it.
Since the national screening programme started, the number of women who die of cervical cancer has dropped by nearly two thirds. And if every woman you know got tested regularly, the number could drop even lower.
What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening involves having a sample of cells taken from your cervix. These are then examined closely under a microscope. Some abnormal changes can get better on their own, others may need treatment to prevent the cells from developing into cervical cancer. Studies have shown that up to 90% of cervical cancers can be prevented by regular cervical screening.
Do you know
Do you know that this is one of the easiest cancers to prevent if the cell changes are detected early?
New Zealand has one of the best cervical screening programmes in the world to help prevent cervical cancer.
Prevention
Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly, so it’s easy to be detected so cell change scan be treated early. Treatment is as simple as removing the affected tissue and has a high success rate.
The first signs show up as ‘abnormal’ cells, which can take more than 10 years to develop into cancer. That’s why you usually have a smear test every 3 years – this gives you the best chance to find cell changes early.
From July 2023-Screening test will change
The new screening method will test for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) with the option of selftesting.
About four out of five people have an HPV infection at some time in their lives. There are many different types of HPV, and some are more likely than others to lead to cervical cancer.
You may notice several changes when the new primary screening test is introduced. The biggest change will be the option to self-test. You will be able to take a vaginal swab yourself in privacy when you visit your healthcare provider for a screen, or it can be taken by a clinician if you prefer. You can be confident that a negative HPV test means you are at very low risk of developing abnormal cells that may lead to cervical cancer within the next five years. This means routine cervical screening will only be needed once every five years, not every three years as it is currently. You will still need to consult with your healthcare provider for you screens, even when self-testing. However, the Ministry of Health will be looking at ways to make screening even more accessible in future, which could include mailing-out self-testing kits if they are found to work safely and well for women.
PLEASE do not wait until self-testing is available to get your cervical screen.
The current screening test is clinically safe and continues to be a very effective tool for reducing cervical cancer. If you haven’t had a screen in the last three years, get in touch with your doctor, practice nurse or health clinic, or call the National Screening Unit on 0800 729 729.
Where do I go for a screen?
Whoever you choose, all screen takers are specially trained to make sure the test is comfortable and meets your rights as a patient.
It’s completely up to you who takes your screen. You can choose to go to your regular doctor or choose to go to any doctor or practice nurse, family planning, your sexual health service, marae-based or any Māori health centres or community health centres.
You can take a support person with you if this makes you feel more comfortable. Worried about anything? You won’t be the first! Just ask the person who takes your smear.
Getting your results
Remember, 90% of smear results come back all clear. Getting your results normally takes 2 weeks and if there is anything unusual, your smear taker will make contact.
Resources
If you have never had a cervical screen and you questions, take the time to check out https://www.timetoscreen.nz/ cervical-screening/cervical-screening-resources/ There are brochures that you can download that will answer many of the questions you may have. Plus, there are some wonderful videos that explains having a smear test from start to finish.
Source: https://www.timetoscreen.nz/