News
Cervical Screening Month
From the National Screening Unit, 27 August 2010
Women in South Canterbury are being encouraged to use September, Cervical Screening Awareness Month, as a prompt to think about when they last had a cervical smear.
Dr Kerry Neilson, South Canterbury GP and Family Planning doctor, says the month is a prompt for women to have a smear if it is overdue, or to think about when their next smear is due.
"Many women will get a reminder from their GP or smear taker when they are due for a smear.
"If you are due, get it done as soon as possible - and celebrate that sense of achievement afterwards!"
Women who are not sure when their smear is due, or who want to become part of the Programme, can ring the freephone number – 0800 729 729.
Dr Neilson says regular cervical smears are extremely important, even if you feel apprehensive.
"We know some people find having a smear test embarrassing – but they really don't need to worry. Smears are carried out by trained health professionals and they'll make you feel as comfortable as possible.
"Investing a small amount of time in having regular cervical smears could save your life - reducing your risk of developing cervical cancer by 90 percent.
"The test can detect changes to cells in the cervix that, if left untreated, could become cancer. Regular cervical smear tests every three years are recommended from the age of 20 to 70 for women who have ever been sexually active."
Nationwide, smear tests are available from:
doctors and practice nurses Family Planning sexual health services marae-based or other Maori health centres community health services, for example, Pacific or women's health centres.
(Note that not all services are offered in all areas).
Cervical Screening Awareness Month is coordinated by the National Screening Unit, in partnership with Stayfree. During the month, women can enter an online competition to go in the draw to win 1 of 1000 Neutrogena lip glosses worth $24.95 – go to www.cervicalscreening.govt.nz to enter.
ENDS
Further information: Dr Kerry Neilson, 03 684 3872 or 027 221 8246