Panipani me te tono whakahokia
Cervical screening
Why have regular screening tests?
Cervical screening is a test to check the health of your cervix (near your uterus / womb). The test detects any changes in the cervix that are sometimes a sign of cancer. It is often called a ‘smear’ test.
With regular screening, any changes on the cervix can be detected and treated before they become cancers.
This is why free cervical screening is offered every three years for wāhine aged between 25 and 69.
Changes to the test
From July 2023, the primary test for cervical screening will change to a human papillomavirus (HPV) test, with the option of self-testing.
The new screening method will test for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV). About four out of five people have an HPV infection at some time in their lives. There are many different types of HPV, and some are more likely to lead to cervical cancer than others.
More information is available on the Time to Screen website.
Te Piki Oranga screening services
Te Piki Oranga has a lead role in supporting women to undertake regular cancer screening. We do this by:
Identifying eligible women for screening
Providing information and support
Raising awareness about the importance of screening
Making the screening test accessible and organising testing clinics
Referring women to other services as appropriate
Ensuring cervical screening services are accessible to the priority group
