After you’ve had your first screening test, you’ll automatically be enrolled in the National Cervical Screening Programme – joining more than 1 million other people.

Benefits of being in the programme

The National Cervical Screening Programme means every person who takes part contributes to and receives the benefit of cervical cancer prevention – we’re all helping each other, every time we take a test.

The programme also helps you by:

• making screening tests free for those identified as being at greater risk
• providing you with information
• ensuring you get referred for follow-up treatment
• providing the results to your screen-taker
• making sure your doctor or screen-taker reminds you when you need your next screen
• providing laboratory services to test your sample
• storing your screening history in a safe place for reference next time
• making sure the programme delivers a good service
• funding services that support people through the cervical screening process
• training and support of screen-taker.

If you’re in the programme, some of your information will be stored in the National Cervical Screening Programme Register. You can find out more at Storing your results.

Withdrawing from the programme

You can choose not to be enrolled and still have a screening test, but your screening information will not be stored on the register. You and your screen-taker will need to work out the best way to manage your reminders and results. Don’t worry – you can re-enrol at any time.

Talk to your screen-taker about how to withdraw from the programme or fill in the 'Request to withdraw from the National Cervical Screening Programme' form here.

Request to withdraw from the NCSP form (PDF, 175 KB)

Request to withdraw from the NCSP form (Word, 280 KB)

Re-enrolling in the programme

If you'd like to re-enrol in the programme, fill in the 'Re-enrol in the NCSP Programme' form here.

Re-enrol in the NCSP form (PDF, 180 KB)

Re-enrol in the NCSP form (Word, 167 KB)

Who runs the screening programme?

The screening programme is run by the National Screening Unit within Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand. We manage both the cervical screening and breast screening programmes for New Zealanders. You can find out more on the National Screening Unit website.

Your rights

Whenever you receive health services, your rights are protected by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights.

During your screening tests and follow-up and when talking to health workers you have the right to:

• be treated with respect
• be treated fairly
• dignity and independence
• support and care that suits you
• be told things in a way you understand
• be told about your health
• make choices about your care and support
• have a support person or people with you
• decide if you want to be part of training, teaching or research
• make a complaint.

You can ask for more information about your rights when you visit your doctor or nurse. You can also read more about your rights at the website of the Health & Disability Commissioner.