Cervical Screening
A cervical smear, or screening, in New Zealand is typically completed every 5 years. The test can be a self-test or performed by one of our healthcare team. The test detects high-risk HPV, the main cause of cervical cancer, and is followed by a check for cell changes if HPV is found.
Screening is free for many, including those aged 30+ who haven't been screened, Community Services Card holders, and Māori and Pacific people.
We hold a weekly Screening Clinic to support patients, call us to book in today.
Why is screening important?
Cervical cancer often takes ten years or more to develop, so regular screening allows for early detection and prevention.
Regular screening is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
Common questions
Who should get screened?
- Anyone with a cervix, regardless of gender identity, aged 25 to 69 years.
- People who are sexually active or have ever had intimate skin-to-skin contact should have regular screenings.
What is the test?
- The main test is the HPV test, which screens for the human papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer.
- You can choose to self-test at your appointment or have a healthcare professional perform the test.
- A sample of cells is taken from the cervix using a brush.
What happens after the test?
- If HPV is not detected, you typically won't need another test for 5 years (or 3 years if immune-deficient).
- If HPV is detected, the sample will be checked for cell changes.
- If abnormal cell changes are found, you may be monitored or treated, often through colposcopy.
How to get screened
Contact us to book your test. Amberley Medical Centre holds weekly Clinics.
You can find more information at Health Information and Services or the National Cervical Screening Unit website.
