SCDHB

Women in South Canterbury are being urged to use September – Cervical Screening Awareness Month – as a prompt to take control of their own health.

The South Canterbury District Health Board Clinical Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is Dr Geoff Werkmeister. Dr Werkmeister often treats women who have abnormal cervical smear results and are referred to Timaru Hospital for a colposcopy.

He says cervical cancer is one of the most preventable of all cancers, and having regular cervical smears can reduce your risk of developing it by 90 percent.

"While some cancers appear with little warning and little is known about how they could have been prevented, cervical cancer is different. It is very preventable, and that's why women are being encouraged use Cervical Screening Awareness Month as a prompt to have a think about when they last had a cervical smear," he says.

Dr Werkmeister says cell changes to the cervix can lead to cervical cancer.

"These cell changes are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus, which most people come into contact with at some stage in their life. But the changes happen very slowly, so by having regular smears, there is a very high likelihood that abnormal cells will be found and treated long before they ever become cancer.

"Investing a small amount of time in having regular cervical smears could save your life. Regular cervical smear tests every three years are recommended from the age of 20 to 70 for women who have ever been sexually active.

"This month, I hope South Canterbury women book in for a smear test if it is due or overdue, or, if they haven't already, join the National Cervical Screening Programme."

"There are lots of things in life that you can't control, but by having a regular cervical smear test you can greatly reduce your likelihood of developing cervical cancer. I also recommend HPV immunisation for young women who are not yet sexually active. This will help prevent most cervical cancers that are caused by the HPV virus."

If you are not sure when your smear is due, or to make an appointment for HPV immunisation, talk to your GP or practice nurse. You can also call the National Cervical Screening Programme on the freephone number – 0800 729 729 for more information about cervical screening.

For more information:

Arlene Goss

Communications Manager,

South Canterbury District Health Board

Ph: 03 687 2395, Mobile:  027 276 4259