It’s cervical screening month
September 5th, 2024
September is Cervical Screening Awareness Month and we want to encourage all women to be up to date with their cervical testing.
The National Cervical Screening Unity (NCSU) is changing the way cervical screening is carried out, with the introduction of human papillomavirus (HPV) test as the primary screening test.
Those who will be eligible for free screening include those who have never had a screening test, are under screened (haven’t had a test in the past 5 years), at higher risk requiring surveillance or follow-up, Māori and Pasifika, and community service card holders.
The new HPV test means there will be three options available for having a cervical screening test:
- You can choose to collect your own sample, via a simple self-test swab, or
- You can ask your healthcare provider to collect your swab sample, or
- You can choose to have your healthcare provider take a sample from your cervix (known as a smear test)
Make time this month to get up to date with your screening. Your general practice team are available to provide advice, support, and screening services, so make an appointment if you have questions or concerns.