As part of Cervical Screening Awareness Month this September, Bay of Plenty wahine and people with a cervix are being encouraged to check they are up-to-date with their cervical screening test.

'A cervical screening appointment usually takes less than 15 minutes and should normally be done every three years,” says Cervical Screening Programme BOP/Lakes regional coordinator Lynne Clayton. 'It's a simple procedure that has the proven ability to save lives.”

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers – results show screening every three years can reduce the risk of developing it by up to 90 per cent.

'Finding the time for screening can be difficult but it's important wahine prioritise themselves and their hauora so they can be well for their whanau,” says Lynne.

The cervical screening test identifies abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. These cell changes are caused by the human papillomavirus.

HPV infection is very common, and most people come into contact with it at some stage of their life. Changes in the cervix from HPV infection happen slowly.

'By having regular cervical screening there is an excellent chance the abnormal cells will be found and treated before they ever become cancer.”

Together, the HPV vaccine and cervical screening are your best protection against cervical cancer. Anyone under the age of 27 can receive the HPV vaccine for free, and at a cost for other ages.

To find out when your next test is due, where to go to have a test or if you are eligible for the HPV vaccine, contact your GP, Māori health service, Family Planning Clinic, sexual health services or local Cervical Screening Register Team.

Visit: www.timetoscreen.nz/cervical-screening Or free phone 0800 729 729. HPV immunisation information is at: https://toiteora.govt.nz/public/hpv-immunisation