Getting regular cervical screening is one of the best things you can do to look after your health. It’s quick, straightforward, and can help catch any changes early – before they turn into something more serious.
Cervical screening isn’t a test for cancer. Instead, it checks for early cell changes caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer over time. Most of the time, these changes go away on their own, but if they don’t, doctors can treat them before they become a bigger problem.
The HPV screening test is able to pick up cell changes very early. Most people will only need to have an HPV screening test every 5 years.
If you’re aged 25 to 69 and have a cervix, regular screening is recommended to keep you safe. The good news? There are now options to make it easier and more comfortable:
- You may be able to do your own swab in private at our practice, or an approved community setting – we will send the swab off to be tested for HPV
- We can do the swab for you during an appointment
- You can have a standard smear test (like before) where we take a sample from your cervix. If the sample tests positive for HPV, a cytology (cell) test can then be done without you needing to go in for another test.
Keeping up with your screenings is a simple but powerful way to take care of your wellbeing. If you’re due for a check, book an appointment today – it’s a small step that can make a big difference.
Māori wāhine
Māori women are more than twice as likely as non-Māori women to be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and Māori women are 2.5 times more likely to die from cervical cancer than non-Māori women. Due to this disparity, cervical screening is free for Māori and Pacific wāhine aged 25 to 69 years.
What is HPV?
About 4 out of 5 adults will have HPV at some time in their lives. HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact and any sexual activity. While HPV often clears up by itself, it can stay dormant in your system and may not be detected until years after you come into contact with it.
How much does it cost to be screened?
Free routine cervical screening is available if you are:
- Māori and Pacific wāhine aged 25 to 69 years
- aged 30 years and over and have never been screened
- aged 30 years and over and it has been 5 years or more since your last cytology, or 7 years or more since your last HPV test
- aged 25 to 69 and hold a Community Services Card.
Follow up testing is free for everyone regardless of their eligibility for free routine screening.
What do my test results mean?
To find out the different types of results you may receive after doing a vaginal swab or cervical sample, see here.
HPV vaccine
It is also recommended to get the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is free in New Zealand for people aged 9 – 26. Find out more about when and where you can get the HPV vaccine here.
Cervical Screening at Health New Lynn
Please contact our friendly reception team on 09 827 8888 to book in for your Cervical Screening.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out via phone on 09 827 8888, or email welcome@healthnewlynn.co.nz.