HPV & Cervical Screening
HPV & Cervical Screening
HPV vaccination is not a substitute for cervical screening.
The HPV vaccine does offer the best protection against most HPV-related cancers, but not all of the HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.
For all people with a cervix, regular cervical screening, and following National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP), is the most effective pathway to follow to prevent invasive cervical cancer developing.
Regular cervical screening will ensure early detection and treatment of HPV-related abnormal cells and prevention of most cervical cancer. Regular cervical smear tests are part of maintaining a healthy body.
New Zealand has one of the best cervical screening programmes in the world. The number of deaths from cervical cancer has dropped by nearly two thirds since the national screening programme started. The NCSP encourages cervical screening every 3 years, if they have ever been sexually active, from the age of 25 until they turn 70, and to check that abnormal results are followed up.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and regular screening can reduce the risk of developing it by up to 90 per cent.
For further information about the National Cervical Screening Programme in New Zealand:
- Freephone: 0800 729 729
- Website: Time to screen
HPV is thought to be the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world, and most people are infected with HPV at some time in their…
HPV infection - key information – Vaccination against HPV has been available for many years. 80% of unvaccinated adults will pick up HPV at some point…
Papilloma is a word that means a small wart-like growth on the skin or mucous membrane. There are many types of papilloma infections - even some that…
While HPV is an extremely common infection, and there is a link between HPV and cervical, anal, penile, some vulval and throat cancers, it is…
HPV is transmitted to your mouth by oral sex. It may also be possible to get oral HPV in other ways. An increased number of oral sex partners…
Some types of HPV are linked to abnormal cell changes on the cervix which place women at higher risk of abnormal cervical smears and developing…
HPV and penile cancer – HPV-related penile cancers most often affect the ‘head’ of the penis and are rare.
HPV and anal cancer – HPV-associated anal…
The emotional impact of finding out that you or your partner has an STI can sometimes be worse than the actual infection.
It’s really important to…