Cervical Screening

All women between the ages of 25 and 69 who have ever been sexually active should have regular cervical smear tests every three years. This helps in early detection of abnormal cells which, if left untreated, could become cervical cancer. Very often these cells are made abnormal by a human papilloma virus (HPV) which is a sexually transmitted virus. Regular tests and treatment reduces the likelihood of this sort of cancer by around 90%. More information is available online - http://www.nsu.govt.nz/current-nsu-programmes/national-cervical-screening-programme.aspx Cervical smears are taken by the doctors or trained nurses.