Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is a smear test that checks the health of your cervix. Having this test is one of the best ways to detect the presence of changes in cells that cause cervical cancer. 

Why is Cervical screening important?

Cervical cancer can take 5 to 20 years to develop, and periodical cervical screening detects cells that could transform into cancer. This type of screening can also identify cancer in an early stage, increasing the chances of cure through treatment.

Who is eligible for Cervical screening?

All women between the ages of 25 and 70 who have been sexually active are eligible for cervical screening.

The National Cervical Screening Programme

The New Zealand National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) has reduced the number of deaths caused by cervical cancer by almost two-thirds. This number can decrease if more women regularly get tested for cervical cancer.

You can agree to record your cervical screening information in this programme and benefit:

• immediate availability of records for you, your healthcare provider and your testing lab;
• reminders when you are overdue for having a cervical screening;
• checks to ensure the correct follow-up when the screening test has an abnormal result;
• planning for the particular needs of various ethnic groups.

Contact Mosgiel Health Centre to discuss with our team your cervical screening test.