Cervical Screening I Whakamātautau waha kōpū

Cervical cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent - as long as we detect the cell changes early. The best way to do this is via cervical screening.

Screening for cervical cancer has recently got easier with the introduction of the HPV test which replaces the "smear test". The HPV test is a simple vaginal swab. You can choose to do a self-test or get a nurse to do it.

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Who is eligible for cervical screening?

Cervical screening is recommended if you are:

• A woman or anyone with a cervix;
• Aged between 25 and 69;
• Sexually active or have ever been

It makes no difference what your sexuality or gender identity is, or if you have not been sexually active for a long time. If you have a cervix, it’s best to get tested.

If you’ve had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) check with your healthcare provider to see if you still need to have screening.

If you’re pregnant, it’s safe to do the test.

If you’ve got your period, you can still have a screening test, as long as bleeding isn’t too heavy because this could affect the test result.

The National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) is not fully funded.

However, screening is FREE for women and people with a cervix who:

• Are aged 30 or over and have never had a screening test or are under-screened
• Require follow-up testing
• Hold a Community Services Card
• Are Māori or Pacific