Cervical Screening
Cervical cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent – as long as we detect the cell changes that cause it, early. All women between 25 and 69 who have ever been sexually active should have regular three-yearly smear tests.
It's completely up to you who takes your screen. You can choose to go to your regular doctor or choose to go to:
any doctor or practice nurse
Family Planning
your sexual health service
marae-based or other Māori health centres
community health services, eg, Pacific or women’s health centre
You can request a female screen taker from most services. Whoever you choose, all screen takers are specially trained to make sure the test is comfortable, and meets your rights as a patient.
Cervical smears can be taken in pregnancy but if you are planning a pregnancy it is recommended that you make sure your smears are up to date or arrange to have one earlier than usual so any possible abnormal smear can be investigated before you are pregnant.
Cost: Variable depending on location. Speak to your GP to see if you are eligible for a free cervical smear.
Cervical cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent – as long as we detect the cell changes that cause it, early. All women between 25 and 69 who have ever been sexually active should have regular three-yearly smear tests.
It's completely up to you who takes your screen. You can choose to go to your regular doctor or choose to go to:
any doctor or practice nurse
Family Planning
your sexual health service
marae-based or other Māori health centres
community health services, eg, Pacific or women’s health centre
You can request a female screen taker from most services. Whoever you choose, all screen takers are specially trained to make sure the test is comfortable, and meets your rights as a patient.
Cervical smears can be taken in pregnancy but if you are planning a pregnancy it is recommended that you make sure your smears are up to date or arrange to have one earlier than usual so any possible abnormal smear can be investigated before you are pregnant.
Cost: Variable depending on location. Speak to your GP to see if you are eligible for a free cervical smear.