Cervical Screening Awareness Month A Prompt For Wellington Women

National Screening Unit

29 August 2010

Cervical Screening is encouraging Wellington women to use September, Cervical Screening Awareness Month, as a prompt to think about when they last had a cervical smear.

Robyn Fox, Regional Coordinator, Regional Screening Services, Hutt Valley District Health Board, says the awareness month is a prompt for women to have a smear if it is overdue, or to think about when their next smear is due.

“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.

“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.

Robyn 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.”

Hutt Valley mum-of-four, Julie, had avoided having a smear test for 12 years before deciding to go.

“It was an embarrassment thing – not just the test itself but I'm quite a large person so it was also because of my size. The thought of having the test made me feel very insecure and uncomfortable, so I just ignored it and expected it to go away.”

Julie eventually decided to have a smear test after talking with a community nurse about its importance.

“She highlighted how it could really make the difference between being around for my kids or not. I suppose I hadn't realised how seriously I should take it - but even once I knew that, I didn't know if I could actually go through with it.”

In spite of her reluctance, Julie worked up the courage to go to her local clinic and book a smear test.

“I was very anxious before I went in - I think I was shaking! But the nurse who did the examination put me at ease which made things a lot better.

“Once I had done it I felt I'd achieved something, and thought ‘wow, what was I worried for?’ It made me realise I should have done it ages ago!”

And the results showed that everything was fine. Julie is encouraging women to seek advice if they are uncertain about getting a smear test done.

“Getting some professional advice was really the key for me. I think it’s harder for Maori women to have smear tests because of our cultural background. But you should just think ‘what if?’ The test only takes ten minutes of your time and then you know you’re staying healthy and looking after your body.

“I'm due for another smear soon and I know I will have to build up my confidence again. But it’s like going for gold - when you actually do it it’s a real accomplishment.”

Wellington smear taker and Family Planning national nurse advisor Rose Stewart says smear takers understand that some women are reluctant to have a smear. “But we do everything we can to make it easy for them and help them feel comfortable and in control of the situation. And we've had it done too, so we know what it’s like.”

Rose suggests women get together with friends to have their smears at the same time. “It’s one thing women can do to look to look after themselves - a cancer you can pretty much prevent by undergoing screening.”

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

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