A closer look at cervical smears

September was Cervical Screening Awareness Month - an opportunity to promote the life-saving benefits of regular cervical smear tests for women aged between 20 and 70. This month we're going to look at the test in a little more detail - women should know exactly what to expect when they book to have a cervical smear.

A cervical smear is not a test to look for cancer. It is a screening test that looks for abnormal changes in cells on the surface of the cervix (the neck of the uterus or womb). Some cells with abnormal changes can develop into cancer if they are not treated. Treatment of abnormal cells is very effective at preventing cancer.

Family Planning is one of a number of places you can go to have your cervical smear test. We are involved in training other health professionals on how to take cervical smears and we work very closely with the National Cervical Screening Programme. The National Cervical Screening Register ensures that you get a reminder each time a smear is overdue to back up the reminders that Family Planning sends.

How is a cervical smear taken?
You will be asked to remove under-clothing from the waist downwards and to lie either on your left side or on your back. A draw sheet or cover will be provided to protect your privacy.

A warmed or lubricated speculum will be put into your vagina so that the cervix can be seen. Next a cervical sample will be taken by wiping cells off the cervix. These cells are usually put into a jar of liquid. Swabs can be taken at the same time to test for infection.

The smear process itself will take only a few minutes. Some women will find the test a little uncomfortable and you should tell your smear taker if it hurts. The smear taking may be more uncomfortable if you have an infection at the time of the test. For older women, the cervical smear test may be more uncomfortable because of changes in the vagina after menopause.

What happens next?
The smear sample is sent to a testing laboratory for analysis. Each sample is examined by two laboratory screeners. If any abnormal cells are found, the slide will be checked by a pathologist. The results will be sent to both your smear taker and to the National Cervical Screening Programme. Ask your smear taker how you will get your results.

Can I bring a support person?
Yes - this could be a friend, family or whānau member, partner. Tell the smear taker that you are happy to have a support person in the room while your smear is taken.

How much will a smear test cost?
If you are under 22, a cervical smear at a Family Planning Clinic is free. If you have a Community Services Card, your visit and smear will cost $5 and for all other New Zealand residents, the cost of a visit and a smear is $22.50.

So call your nearest Family Planning Clinic today - a few minutes could save your life slynkey girls!

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