Cervical screening: a talanoa about your choices English HE1175

A call to our Pacific women

Turou, Cook Islands
Tulou, Fiji
Mautauninga, Kiribati
Tulou, Niue
Turo’, Rotuma
Tulou, Samoa
Tulou, Tokelau
Tulou, Tuvalu
Tulou, Tonga

With deep respect
We clear the space
Honouring your
Mind
Body
Soul.

With our love
We acknowledge all
Pacific women of
Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.

With courage
We invite you to
Journey with us
Through this Sacred talanoa.

HPV and cervical cancer

Almost all cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus virus (HPV). The virus is very common and is spread by intimate skin-to-skin contact or any sexual activity. Almost all adults will have HPV at some stage in their lives.

Most cases of HPV usually clear by themselves but some types of the virus can persist and go on to cause cell changes that may in time turn into cancer.

It usually takes 10 years or more for cervical cancer to develop. Regular screening can find people at increased risk of developing cell changes so that if changes happen, they can be treated, often before they become cancer.

There are many stages between HPV infection, cell changes and cancer. Having HPV does not mean you have cancer.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

Around 90% of people screened will NOT have HPV found and can just continue to have regular screening.
About 10% of people screened will have HPV and will need further checks.

About cervical screening

Along with being vaccinated against HPV, regular cervical screening reduces illness and death from cervical cancer. Being part of the National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) and having regular screening is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer so you can stay healthy for yourself and your family. Cervical Screening is now free for Pacific women. Please contact your provider.

There’s now a quick and easy cervical screening test that most people will only need every 5 years, with an option of doing it as a self-test.

The HPV test is very sensitive and accurate at detecting the virus that causes most cervical cancers. It will identify the 10% of those screened who are at increased risk of developing precancerous cervical cell changes; allowing early treatment and preventing more cervical cancers.

The new method of cervical screening looks for a common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes more than 95% of cervical cancers. The test is just as good whether you do it yourself, get your healthcare provider to help, or have a cervical sample taken.

How do I know if I need screening?

You are recommended to have screening if you are:

• a woman or person with a cervix;
• aged between 25 and 69;
• sexually active now, or have ever been.

If you’ve had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) check with your healthcare provider to see if you still need to have screening.

If you’re pregnant, it is safe to do the test. If you’ve got your period, you can still have a screening test, as long as bleeding isn’t too heavy because this could affect the test result.

Of the 180 people diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, around 85% have never been screened or have not had regular screening.

Cervical screening has never been easier. You have choices.

Your HPV testing options

1: Vaginal swab

This will be suitable for most people. You will be advised if a different test is appropriate for you.