Cervical screening

Cervical smear tests save lives. Since the National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) started the number of women who die from cervical cancer has dropped by nearly two-thirds.

Most cervical cancers develop from an infection – called HPV, or the human papillomavirus – that almost everybody is exposed to if they have had sex. But with regular smear tests (every 3 years) HPV can be detected and treated, before it becomes cancer.

The NCSP recommends that all women between the ages 20-70 are tested every three years.

The Ministry of Health's 'Time to Screen' website provides a comprehensive overview of:

 

The Hauora Tairāwhiti Cervical screening service coordinates the screening activity of the Tairāwhiti district.

  • We can offer information about your choices as to where to go for screening.
  • We can provide screening histories to Tairāwhiti Practices enrolling women who are new to the district.
  • We can update your information on the National Register.

How to get in touch:

Telephone: 0800 729729 or 06 8692094 (DDI)


Places to go:

Free smears are available at the Community Clinic - 141 Bright St (Ph 06 8689005 for an appt.)

Your own GP practice or Family Planning (42 Childers Road) can provide screening (* a fee may apply)


Exams and procedures:

• Colposcopy is the procedure some women need to be referred to if their smear identifies abnormal cells. 


Useful websites:

https://www.timetoscreen.nz/cervical-screening/

 

Also see:

Colposcopy

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