Home / Procedures & Investigations / Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer screening is a simple test to check the health of the cervix (the neck of the womb). There are two main methods - HPV testing and a Pap smear.
What is cervical cancer screening?
Cervical cancer screening is a simple test to check the health of the cervix (the neck of the womb). There are two main methods:
HPV testing – the current primary test in New Zealand and many other countries. This looks for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer.
Pap smear (cytology test) – used in some cases, either on its own or alongside HPV testing. This checks directly for abnormal cell changes (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, CIN) that could develop into cancer.
Screening does not diagnose cancer, but it can detect HPV infection or abnormal cells at an early stage, often before cancer develops.
This means treatment can be given sooner, reducing the risk of cervical cancer.
Why is cervical cancer screening recommended?
Cervical screening helps to:
Detect high-risk HPV that could cause cervical cancer
identify abnormal cervical cells (CIN) before they turn into cancer
prevent cervical cancer or detect it at an early stage, when treatment is most effective
Your doctor or nurse will only recommend follow-up tests or treatment if screening shows HPV or abnormal cell changes.
What's involved in cervical cancer screening?
Screening is recommended for people with a cervix aged 25 to 69 years, and for people aged 70-74 years who have not previously been screened regularly. The typical screening interval is 5 years
Cervical cancer screening saves lives by preventing cancer or detecting it early. Most people have a normal result and need no further action. If HPV or abnormal cells are found, treatment is highly effective at preventing cancer from developing.
If you are worried about the procedure, have had difficulty with screening in the past, or have specific medical concerns, your can request referral or self-refer to a gynaecologist for further support or techniques to make the procedure more comfortable.
Your gynaecology team will guide you through each stage, explain what your results mean, and answer any questions you may have.
Step 1 - HPV Testing
HPV testing involves taking a swab sample from the vagina yourself, in privacy, either at your doctor’s clinic or sometimes at home. The process is simple, simple and often painless.
Step 2 - Pap Smear
If HPV is found on a self-test, you may be asked to return for a clinician-collected sample (taken by a nurse or doctor) so that the cells of the cervix can be checked for abnormal changes (Pap smear/cytology). In some circumstances, your healthcare professional may recommend a clinician-collected sample from the start.
Step 3 - Colposcopy
If either HPV or abnormal cells are detected, you may be referred for a colposcopy, where a gynaecologist examines the cervix more closely and takes biopsies if needed.
Find A Specialist
-
Dr Kate van Harselaar
Gynaecologist
