Preventing Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the 10th most common cancer for women but one of the most preventable cancers.
Did You Know?
- Every year in New Zealand about 160 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 60 die from it.
- Cervical cancer is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), a common, sexually transmitted infection.
- A cervical smear test is a screening test to find abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.
- Having regular cervical smears can reduce a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer by 90 percent.
- Regular cervical smear tests are recommended for women from the age of 20 until they turn 70 if they have ever been sexually active.
- A woman's best protection against developing cervical cancer is having regular cervical smear tests.
What Can I Do?
- Have regular three yearly cervical smears with your health professional.
- Contact your health professional if you have any unusual discharge or pain.
- Gardasil is a vaccine that helps prevent HPV. It is available free to girls and young women born from 1 January 1990. It will be available from health professionals and will also be given at school for 12 – 18 year old girls.
