We're a bit late posting this, but Mahuru / September is Cervical Screening Awareness Month!
What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening is looking for cancer-causing strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) by taking either a vaginal swab or a cervical sample. It helps to detect cancer-causing HPV strains and changes to cells in your cervix early, before they lead to cancer.
As Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa puts it, cervical screening is "an easy test that could save your life."
There are now TWO options for cervical screening in Aotearoa:
Vaginal swab (HPV self-test)
Cervical sample (smear test)
Your GP, Nurse Practitioner, or nurse can let you know which cervical screening test is appropriate for you.
Vaginal swab / HPV self-test
Most people will be able to have their cervical screening done through a quick and simple vaginal swab, and you can do your own swab or have a health professional assist you. This method only tests for HPV.
Cervical sample / smear test
Some people will be recommended to always have a smear test rather than an HPV self-test because of their previous cervical screening history. Anyone who is eligible for an HPV self-test also has the option of having a smear test instead. A speculum and small brush are used to take a cell sample from your cervix, and the sample will be tested for HPV first, and then tested for cell changes if HPV is found.
Who is cervical screening for?
You should have regular cervical screenings if you:
Have a cervix,* and
Are aged between 25 -29 years, and
Have been sexually active at any point in your life (regardless of how long ago it was or the gender of your partner/s)
*This refers to most people who were assigned female at birth, regardless of your gender identity. If you have had a total hysterectomy, check with your GP or Nurse Practitioner about whether you still need screening.
How do I know if I'm due for cervical screening?
We contact our patients to let you know when you're due for your cervical screening and to remind you to book in -- but if you're not sure, or haven't heard from us but think you might be due, get in touch!
You can either call our nurse line or message your GP/NP on our patient portal Well (see our Contact Us page for info on registering for Well).
Most people are due for cervical screening every 5 years, but you may need it more regularly depending on your medical history.
I'm due for cervical screening! How do I get it done?
There are a few different options. You can:
Book an appointment with your GP or NP*
Book an appointment with one of our cervical screening nurses, Sian or Karen
Book an appointment with Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
Find a pop-up cervical screening clinic - e.g. Wellington Women's Clinic at Wellington Hospital is providing FREE cervical screenings on Saturday 4 October between 8AM-1PM, and the Smear Your Mea campaign Facebook page promotes pop-up clinics happening around the country
*Please note that Jasper Nacilla (Nurse Practitioner) can provide HPV self-swabs but cannot provide smear tests; all of our GPs can do smear tests
I want more info!
Check out the resources attached below, provided by Time to Screen in a range of languages (via HealthEd)
Read up on cervical screening at Te Whatu Ora and Healthify
Call our nurse line
Contact your GP or NP
