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Why is cervical screening important?Ìý

- In NZ approx. 180 to 190 women get cervical cancer every year.Ìý

- Up to 80% have not been screening.Ìý

- Cervical screening picks up changes early preventing cancer.Ìý

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What is the cervix?Ìý

- Organ connects the uterus to the vagina.Ìý

- Why it’s important:Ìý

- Keeps baby inside the uterus while growing during pregnancy.Ìý

- The canal through which baby passes at birth.Ìý

- Canal sperm can travel up to fertilize eggs to get pregnant.Ìý

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What does a cervical smear do?Ìý

- The smear scrapes some cells from the cervix.Ìý

- The cells are looked at under a microscope for any abnormal cells, ones that could cause cancer, so they can be treated.Ìý

- It’s traditionally every 3 years.Ìý

- The Problem – it’s invasive to do and can be painful and off putting.Ìý

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What has changed?Ìý

- A new screening test has been introduced, which can be done by a simple easy vaginal swab once every 5 years.Ìý

- Most changes that lead to cancer in cervix are caused by the HPV virus.Ìý

- The swab looks for the HPV strains that lead to cancer and do something about it.Ìý

- Swab is much easier. It’s not painful and is only once every five years from age 25.Ìý

- Easily accessed through your General Practice or clinic.Ìý

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One other important thing.Ìý

- There is now HPV vaccine to prevent HPV infection.Ìý

- Free for all adolescents and girls between 9 and 26.Ìý

- This stops you from contracting HPV, thus preventing the cancer altogether.Ìý- Talk to your GP or Nurse.Ìý

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