HealthInfo Canterbury
Cervical screening & cervical smears
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A cervical smear is a test that takes a sample of cells from the surface of your cervix (the neck of your womb). Laboratory staff then look at these cells under a microscope to look for any changes that could show if there is cancer there, or that could lead to cancer if not treated.
To do the test, a doctor or nurse looks at your cervix using an instrument called a speculum, which they put into your vagina. They use a small brush to pick up a few cells, which they then send to the laboratory.
Smear tests are part of a national screening programme in New Zealand, and are available for all women aged from 20 to 70. Having a smear test every three years can reduce your chance of getting cervical cancer by 90%.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- National Cervical Screening Programme
Information about the National Cervical Screening Programme, which aims to prevent cervical cancer by providing regular smear tests for all eligible women in New Zealand.
Phone 0800-729-729 for more information or to register.
- National Cervical Screening Programme resources
Brochures about cervical screening and the National Cervical Screening Programme. Download the PDFs or order hard copies.
The resources include the pamphlet Cervical smear tests – what women need to know, which is also available in Māori, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Hindi, Japanese and New Zealand sign language (video).
- Prevention of cervical cancer – a guide for women in New Zealand
Detailed information about smear tests, cervical cancer, abnormal cells, colposcopy, biopsy, and the National Screening Programme. Download the PDF or order a hard copy.
- HealthTalk – Cervical screening videos
Videos of women talking about their experiences with cervical screening. You can browse the videos by subject or by age group of the patient.
On the next page: Treatment after an abnormal smear
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Endorsed by clinical director. Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Canterbury DHB. Last reviewed February 2018.
Source
Review key: HICES-20461
