Cervical Screening Awareness Month

September is Cervical Screening Awareness Month - a campaign run to encourage women to have regular cervical smear tests. Women often find reasons to delay having a smear test - check out our list of reasons and rationales for having a regular smear test below slynkey girls:

"But I don't have any symptoms"
Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly and can take ten years or more to develop. If women have regular smear tests (every three years is best) there is a high chance that any abnormal cells will be found and can be treated long before they develop into cancer.

"It might hurt"
Some women may find the test uncomfortable, but it should not hurt. If you are embarrassed or nervous, tell the smear taker how you feel. You can take a support person with you if you would like.

"It makes me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed"
Many women feel uncomfortable or embarrassed at the thought of having a cervical smear. Tell the smear taker if you're embarrassed or if it is your first smear. They will give you very specific instructions about what to do. Most smear takers do hundreds of smear tests each year - they're very used to helping people overcome any embarrassment.

"My doctor costs too much, I can't afford it"
Free or low cost services are available from some community or primary health organisations, including Family Planning. If you are unsure, contact the National Cervical Screening Unit at... and ask where you can get a free or low cost cervical smear near you.

"But I'm not sleeping around"
If you're between 20 and 70 and you've ever been sexually active, a regular smear test is the best way to detect any changes that could indicate cervical cancer.

"I don't know what to expect - I don't know what the etiquette is"
Before you have your smear taken, the smear taker will take a few minutes to talk with you about what's going to happen, if you've had any symptoms or if there's anything worrying you. Ask if you still have questions. They will explain exactly what clothes they need you to take off, and will then give you some privacy to change and to lie up on the bed. There should be a sheet or blanket for you to cover yourself.

"I don't want to visit my usual doctor"
There are lots of different services who do smear tests in New Zealand and they're all linked to the National Cervical Screening Programme which is held by the National Screening Unit of the Ministry of Health. This means you can choose where to have your smear taken - you don't need to go to your regular GP - you can choose the service that suits you best, such as your local Family Planning Clinic.

  "I haven't been for a while and I don't want to be "told off"
No-one should tell you off. The smear taker is likely to be pleased that you've come. . They may ask if there was something in particular that stopped you having a smear for a while - be honest about what it was that stopped you. If you have not had a test for more than five years, you will be advised to have a second test in a year's time.

"I'm gay/lesbian"
The common view that lesbians don't need cervical smear tests puts lesbians at risk of cervical cancer. Any woman who has had sex should have a cervical smear test every three years (unless they are advised to have one sooner by their clinic or doctor). This means sex with anyone - lesbian, bi, queer, gay, tranny, hetero, any gender or sexual preference. If a woman has had no sexual contact at all, the risk of cervical cancer is very low.

"I just haven't gotten around to it"
Having regular cervical smear tests is part of good self-care for women. Like regular dentist visits or breast checks, it's part of keeping yourself well and reducing the chances of ill-health. Call your doctor, Family Planning Clinic or community health centre today and book yourself in for a smear test - you owe it to yourself, your family and whānau.

Have a cervical smear test at a Family Planning Clinic during September and go in the draw to win one of three beautiful Elements skincare gift baskets. Check out www.family planning.org.nz for more information.

By Dr Christine Roke, National Medical Advisor, Family Planning.