Why is cervical screening important?

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

- Up to 80% have not been screening.

- Cervical screening picks up changes early preventing cancer.



What is the cervix?

- Organ connects the uterus to the vagina.

- Why it’s important:

- Keeps baby inside the uterus while growing during pregnancy.

- The canal through which baby passes at birth.

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



What does a cervical smear do?

- The smear scrapes some cells from the cervix.

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

- It’s traditionally every 3 years.

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



What has changed?

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

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

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

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

- Easily accessed through your General Practice or clinic.



One other important thing.

- There is now HPV vaccine to prevent HPV infection.

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

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



LISTEN ABOVE  

Why is cervical screening important? 
- In NZ approx. 180 to 190 women get cervical cancer every year. 
- Up to 80% have not been screening. 
- Cervical screening picks up changes early preventing cancer. 
 
What is the cervix? 
- Organ connects the uterus to the vagina. 
- Why it’s important: 
- Keeps baby inside the uterus while growing during pregnancy. 
- The canal through which baby passes at birth. 
- Canal sperm can travel up to fertilize eggs to get pregnant. 
 
What does a cervical smear do? 
- The smear scrapes some cells from the cervix. 
- The cells are looked at under a microscope for any abnormal cells, ones that could cause cancer, so they can be treated. 
- It’s traditionally every 3 years. 
- The Problem – it’s invasive to do and can be painful and off putting. 
 
What has changed? 
- A new screening test has been introduced, which can be done by a simple easy vaginal swab once every 5 years. 
- Most changes that lead to cancer in cervix are caused by the HPV virus. 
- The swab looks for the HPV strains that lead to cancer and do something about it. 
- Swab is much easier. It’s not painful and is only once every five years from age 25. 
- Easily accessed through your General Practice or clinic. 
  
One other important thing. 
- There is now HPV vaccine to prevent HPV infection. 
- Free for all adolescents and girls between 9 and 26. 
- This stops you from contracting HPV, thus preventing the cancer altogether. - Talk to your GP or Nurse. 
 
LISTEN ABOVE

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB.

News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB. News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?

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