Get protected with cervical screening
September is Cervical Screening Awareness Month. You should have regular screening tests if you have a cervix (including trans or non-binary people), are between 25 and 69 and have ever been sexually active.
The current test for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), and there are two ways you can have the test:
- A vaginal swab that you can do yourself (self-test) or by a health professional; or
- A cervical “smear” sample which needs to be done by a health professional.
Your healthcare provider can help you find out which type of test is better for you.
Both tests take about 10 minutes. You may have pay a fee for the test with a health professional – no more than what you would usual pay to see a doctor or nurse. Any follow-up tests are free.
Find out when your next screening test is due by calling your GP or freephone 0800 729 729.
Regular cervical screening can help keep your cervix healthy
Young girls and women are being encouraged to get up to date with their cervical screening this Cervical Screening Awareness Month.
Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix, and is triggered by cell changes usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
One way that HPV is spread is by sexual activity. Eighty percent of people who have been sexually active will have an HPV infection at some point in their lives.
Any changes on the cervix can be detected with regular cervical screening and then treated before they become cancers.
Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly (up to 10 years), so it’s easy to detect and treat cell changes early. Treatment is as simple as removing the affected tissue, and has a really high success rate.
Cervical screening is for eligible women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 69. It is recommended that you have a cervical screening every 5 years – or every 3 years if you are immune-deficient.
Get the HPV vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer
Young girls and women are being encouraged to get up to date with their HPV immunisation this Cervical Screening Awareness Month.
HPV immunisation is currently free anyone aged 9 to 26 years – whatever your gender. The HPV Immunisation Programme aims to protect young people from HPV infection, which causes more than 90 percent of cervical cancers.
- Find out more about the HPV immunisation programme.
- Download a pamphlet on the HPV immunisation programme – available in multiple languages.
Source: Health NZ Information and Services website.
Published on Monday, August 12th, 2024, under Uncategorised