MDHB News

Public Health: Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is important for women as it is the best protection against developing cervical cancer. MidCentral Health's Public Health Service promotes cervical screening and increased awareness of the national screening program to women in its Horowhenua, Manawatu and Tararua region.

Cancer of the cervix is one of the most preventable of all cancers. It is estimated that about 90% of cases of the most common form of cervical cancer could be prevented if women had smear tests every three years.

A smear test is not a test to look for cancer. It is a screening test that looks for abnormal changes in cells on the surface of the cervix (the neck of the uterus or womb). Some cells with abnormal changes can develop into cancer if they are not treated. Treatment of abnormal cells is very effective at preventing cancer.

Cervical screening is important for protecting women’s health

Health promotion aims to create an environment that supports informed participation in screening. This helps to ensure that people who can benefit from screening are informed and empowered to take advantage of the potential benefits.

The cervical screening program targets all women between the ages of 20 and 70 years who have ever been sexually active and who have not had a cervical smear in the last three years. The focus of health promotion is also on reducing inequalities so Maori and Pacific women are specifically addressed.

The objectives of the program are:

To promote cervical screening and increase awareness of the National Cervical Screening Program among women
To encourage informed participation in the National Cervical Screening Program by providing accurate and appropriate information about the screening program in order to encourage informed uptake
To improve, promote and protect the health of women in New Zealand

Ma te mohio ka ora - “Knowledge improves health and well-being”

Further Information on Cervical Screening

If you would like to know more about having a cervical smear, cervical cancer or the National Cervical Screening Programme ask your doctor or smear taker for a copy of the free booklet “Cervical Screening – A guide for women in New Zealand (1.3MB)”

You can also visit:

National Cervical Screening Programme - National Screening Unit

Or contact:

The National Cervical Screening Programme freephone 0800 729 729
Your own doctor or nurse
A local women’s centre or health centre
Your local Family Planning Centre
Your local Cancer Society

Disclaimer:

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