Give your cervix some screen time
All you need to know about your first cervical screen and why it’s important.
COVID-19 update
Cervical screening services have restarted but with safeguards in place for participants and staff.
[Carrie is in a pink tunnel.]
Carrie: Kia ora! I'm Carrie and guess where I am? The vagina, home of the cervix. Cool aye.
If you’re 25 and over, you need to have regular cervical screening. Is it weird? Well, it’s a bit unusual at first, but you can always bring a friend or whānau member to keep you company. Does it hurt? Nah, it’s maybe a bit uncomfortable, but it’s good to know what to expect – and that’s why you and me are going to do it, right now.
Okay, let’s do this whānau.
[Cut to Carrie in a waiting room.]
How do you know when it’s time to get screened? When you turn 25, if you’re enrolled with a doctor or medical clinic, you’ll get a message inviting you to have your first cervical screen.
If you’re over 25 and you’ve never been screened, or if you don’t have a regular GP, you can contact one to register and book your first cervical screen. But there are other options, including Family Planning or community health providers – it’s totally up to you where you go for your first screen. You’ll be able to search for local providers on the website (starttoscreen.nz).
The cost of your screen depends on the health provider you choose. Some might have a low-cost option. It might be worth checking what cost options are available to you before you go.
When you book your appointment, make sure you know where you are in your cycle – it’s best to avoid having your screen during your period.
[Cut to Carrie and Nadine in the exam room.]
Nadine (Speciality Clinical Nurse, Cervical Screening Coordinator Waikato): Kia ora, Carrie.
Carrie: Kia ora, Nadine.
Nadine: How are you going?
Carrie: Oh, I’m a little bit nervous to be honest!
Nadine: Oh, you're allowed to feel nervous, it’s really natural to feel that way. Hey but the main thing is that you’re here. And we're pretty much halfway through anyway.
Carrie: Cool.
Nadine: Okay we'll go through aye?
Carrie: Okay.
[Carrie moves to the changing area.]
We’ve just met Nadine – she’s a nurse, and she’s going to be doing my cervical screen today. I prefer having a female screen taker – I feel less whakamā, or shy. But it’s up to you – you can choose. Whoever has done your test has probably done it heaps of times. They know you might feel a bit stressed about it, so any questions or concerns you have, just ask them.
They’ll run through some details, and they might also ask a few general questions about your health. After that, they’ll ask for your consent and make sure that you’re comfortable to proceed. Then it’s time to get ready…
You’ll need to get undressed below the waist. So, shoes, pants and underwear off – you can keep your socks on if you like. They’ll give you a sheet so you can cover up a bit if you want, or you’re welcome to bring your own sarong or lava-lava. Ok, switch the camera off, I’m coming out!
[Cut to Carrie lying down ready for screening.]
So, lying flat, knees up is how it usually works, but it’s possible to lie on your side if you’d prefer. If you’re not comfortable, just say – they’ll help you find a better position. And here’s what they’ll use…
[Cut to Nadine holding a speculum.]
Nadine: No, this is not a shiny duck. This is a speculum, which is a fancy word for something that lets the doctors or nurse see your cervix.
[Diagram showing the location of the cervix, between the vagina and the uterus/womb.]
Because your cervix is hidden away, it’s your wonder down under and the speculum helps the doctor or nurse to reach it.
[Cut back to Nadine, now holding the sample brush.]
Carrie: And what's that little brush thing?
Nadine: This is what I use to take a sample for testing - all good?
[Cut back to Carrie, with an inset diagram showing how the speculum is inserted into the vagina.]
Carrie: Okay - the speculum goes into the vagina…it can be a bit uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt. As soon as they can see your cervix, they’ll gently brush it to gather a few cells.
Your nurse will probably chat to you during this bit, just to take your mind off it. This is where you can bust out your best small talk about the weather, your pets or what you’re doing on the weekend.
[Back to Nadine and Carrie, switching between them.]
Nadine: Now what I'll get you to do is just relax your legs to either side. Don’t worry I’ve seen it all before….
So what are you up to for the weekend?
Carrie: Maybe head to a karaoke bar...
Nadine: Oh awesome...
Carrie: My friend is a really good singer so she likes to show off...
Nadine: And do you sing?
Carrie: No, no, no, no - you'll never catch me singing in front of anybody. What about you?
Nadine: Oh probably just doing a bit of gardening making the most of this weather!
Carrie: Nice, nice - what are you growing?
Nadine: Oh whatever takes really!
And we're all done.
Carrie: Already?
Nadine: Easy aye…
Carrie: Yeah!
And that’s it, wāhine! Now, gimme a fist-pump… because we’ve just taken a big step towards protecting our health and caring for our bodies.
[Back to Carrie in the tunnel.]
Phew, we got through that okay, didn’t we! Not as bad as you were expecting, eh? Over in a flash. Your screen taker will let you know what happens next. You can also ask any more questions you might have.
Before you go, your screen taker will tell you how you’ll get your results – it usually takes about two weeks. They’ll then let you know when your results come in, and if you need a follow up appointment for any reason.
About 90% of cervical screen results come back normal, but if they do need to see you again, it doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. It means you need extra checks, and you might need treatment to stop something becoming more serious. Remember, the whole point of having a cervical screen is to find things early so you can prevent them from becoming a problem.
You’ve already done yourself a big favour by watching this video. There’s another video about why cervical screening is so important. Just click the link.
So, just a quick little cervical screen and you’re good to go. Kia kaha wāhine ma – you’ve got this!
Text: Your cervix is out of sight. But it shouldn’t be out of mind! If you’re 25 and over, book your cervical screen now. Visit starttoscreen.nz
Cervical Screening. What to expect.
First cervical screen? Feeling a bit anxious? Don’t worry, we get it.
To help make your first screen as easy as possible we’ve got all the information you need here to help you feel informed and ready. So, do yourself a favour wāhine, watch this video and book your screen! You’ve got this.
Kia ora! I’m Carrie - welcome to the vagina, home of the cervix…
So, you’ve heard about cervical screening and you’ve come here to get some info to help
you make an informed choice. Good for you!
But first, what is your cervix, where is it and what’s it for? Let us introduce you to your cervix…
Your cervix is the doorway to your womb and the lifeline to your whakapapa. A healthy
cervix is the key to a healthy pregnancy, so by looking after your cervix, you’re looking
after your health, your whānau and your future tamariki.
Getting a cervical screen also means you’re taking control of your body and your future
health, because the whole point of having a cervical screen is to find things early
so you can prevent them from becoming a problem.
Someone else you should meet is nurse Nadine. Kia Ora, Nadine!
Nadine (Speciality Clinical Nurse, Cervical Screening Co-ordinator Waikato): Kia ora.
Carrie: Okay Nadine, tell me more about my cervix and why is it so important for wāhine toa to protect this wonder down under.
Nadine: There's heaps of reasons but most importantly is to protect against cancer.
Carrie: But is it really that serious a risk?
Nadine: Oh definitely. About 160 women a year are diagnosed here in Aotearoa, and sadly about 60 women every year will die because of it.
Carrie: When you think about the whānau that affects, the sisters, aunties, their kids and partners - that's a lot of people hurt by this disease.
Nadine: Yeah definitely, you’re protecting a lot of people when you get your cervix screened. Another reason to get onto it soon is because cervical cancer develops slowly, so the earlier you detect it, the better. A healthy cervix is key for a healthy pregnancy. It’s your cervix that brings your pēpi into the world, so caring for it is important if you’re looking to have tamariki in the future.
Carrie: But what causes it, and why should everyone with a cervix get screened?
Nadine: Nearly all cervical cancer is caused by a very common infection called human papillomavirus, or HPV which can affect the health of the cervix. Many HPV infections will clear up on their own, but certain types, or high-risk types of HPV can cause cell changes in the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer if they’re not detected and treated.
Carrie: How common is HPV, I mean, could I have it?
Nadine: It’s really, really common, and we reckon about 80% of people will have it at some point during their lifetime.
Cervical screening detects abnormal cell changes caused by HPV so they can be treated before they become cancer. The earlier you get screened and the earlier we detect these changes, the better. Screening can’t prevent all cervical cancer, but it’s still one of the best things you can do to look out for the health of your cervix.
Carrie: So how do you get HPV in the first place?
Nadine: You can get HPV through sexual activity, or intimate skin-to-skin contact.
Carrie: So how can people prevent themselves against HPV?
Nadine: Well there’s the HPV immunisation, which is really important to protect you and your loved ones from cervical cancer. It’s free for anyone aged 9 to 26, and it’s most effective before
you’re exposed to the virus, which is why HPV immunisation is recommended at 11-12 years of age. But it’s still beneficial if you get immunised later in life.
Carrie: But being immunised against HPV isn’t the end of the story, eh?
Nadine: If you’ve had the HPV immunisation, that’ll reduce your risk. But you should still have regular cervical screening, because there are some types of HPV that you won't be protected against.
Carrie: Okay, have I got this right: You need to have a cervical screening if: you’re between 25 and 69, you have a cervix (including trans or non-binary people) and if you’ve ever been sexually active?
Nadine: Yes, that's right. And if you’re not due for a cervical screen, but you notice any symptoms like unusual bleeding, a persistent discharge or pain, you should tell your health care provider about it as soon as you can.
Carrie: Keep up to date with your regular cervical screening, and if you’re 26 or under, get your free HPV immunisation. These are the best ways to take care of your cervix and protect yourself against cervical cancer.
Awesome, thanks Nadine. So, there you go whānau, plenty of good reasons to get screened.
Regular screening is so important, because from 25 your risk of cervical cancer increases. So, do yourself and your whānau a favour and book your cervical screen – your cervix will love you for it.
If it’s your first screen and you’re keen to find out more about what to expect there's a video about that, just click the link.
You might be a bit whakamā or embarrassed wāhine, but it’s important to remember your cervix - the hidden wonder down under - and give it some screen time.
Text: Your cervix is out of sight. But it shouldn’t be out of mind! If you’re 25 and over, book your cervical screen now. Visit starttoscreen.nz
Why get screened?
If you’re between 25 and 69 years old, have a cervix (including trans or non-binary people), and you have ever been sexually active, you need to get screened.
Why? Having regular cervical screening can help keep your cervix healthy, as it can detect abnormal cell changes early on before anything more serious develops.
Your cervix is pretty amazing and is worth looking after now and into the future. Watch this video to find out more.
After your test
Your screen taker will talk to you about what happens next and how you’ll get your results – it usually takes about two weeks. Nearly all (about 90%) of cervical screen results come back normal, but if they do need to see you again, it might mean you need extra checks or possibly treatment but your health provider will talk to you about this.
HPV and screening
Did you know nearly all cervical cancer is caused by a common infection called human papillomavirus, or HPV?
Being immunised against HPV and having regular cervical screening provides the best possible protection against cervical cancer.
However the HPV vaccine does not protect against all strains of the virus – that’s why if you’ve been immunised you’ll still need regular screening.
Kayla Imrie – K4 Olympian and World Championship Medalist:
As an athlete I am always aware of my health.
It’s my body. So it’s up to me to look after it. And that’s a good thing.
Competing on the world stage takes discipline and control, So it makes sense that in my everyday life – much like you, I want to take control my health, for my future.
Did you know, Māori and Pasifika women are currently less likely to be screened regularly, so we have a higher chance of developing cervical cancer.
But we can change that. We need to change that! Not just for ourselves. But for our whole whānau…
I want to stay healthy for when I have my own tamariki.
Regular cervical screening is an important way to prevent cervical cancer.
Take control of your health. Start now!
Where can I get screened?
Find out here who offers cervical screening in your area. You can choose who to go to. It could be your GP, or another provider such as Family Planning or a community health provider. It’s your choice.
Healthpoint websiteThe National Screening Unit can help you find someone to take your cervical screen. Give us a call on freephone 0800 729 729.