Cervical cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent – as long as the cell changes that cause it are detected early

National Cervical Screening Programme

Aotearoa New Zealand has a national cervical screening programme for 25- to 69-year-olds (and some 70- to 74-year-olds).

Is it your time to screen?

For more information about cervical screening, visit  www.Cervicalscreening.govt.nz        

Find a local cervical screening provider via the Screening Support Services, freephone 0800 729 729

What is cervical screening?

Cervical cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent – as long as the virus or cell changes that cause it are detected early. Routine cervical screening is one of the most important things you can do to prevent or find cancer early.

The  human papillomavirus (HPV) primary screening test is now the method for cervical screening. It is a vaginal swab, and looks for  HPV, which causes cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer. 

Since September 2023 it  replaced the Pap test (also known as Pap smear) for cervical screening. The vaginal swab may not be suitable for everyone, and some people may still need a Pap smear. 

The vaginal swab is quick and should not be uncomfortable.

For the vaginal swab, you can either self-test, or have your test done by a doctor or nurse at:

  • your usual local health centre

  • community health service eg Pacific or Māori health centre

  • sexual health service

  • women’s health service

The vaginal swab is quick and easy to do. But it may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may prefer or still need to have a cervical cell sample or smear taken.

Find a cervical screening provider via the Screening Support Services, freephone 0800 729 729

Two cervical screening options

There are two ways to collect cells for a cervical screening test. In most cases, you can choose the way you prefer.

Vaginal swab (self-collected) 

This is done in a private space (eg a bathroom) in a health clinic. A healthcare provider will give you a self-collection swab and explain how to collect your own cell sample. Or, if you prefer, the provider can assist you to collect the sample. The swab with the sample is then placed in a test tube and sent to a laboratory to check for HPV. Self-collection is only available to people who do not have any signs or symptoms of cancer. If HPV is detected, you may be asked to return to have a health provider collect a cervical sample or be referred for a colposcopy.

Cervical sample (collected by a nurse or healthcare professional)

This is sometimes called a smear, Pap test, or cytology screening. During the test, a doctor or nurse gently inserts an instrument (called a speculum) into the vagina to widen the vaginal walls and get a clearer view of the cervix. They will then use a brush or spatula to carefully remove some cells from the cervix. This can feel slightly uncomfortable. The whole procedure  usually takes only 1–2 minutes. The cell sample is then placed in a container of liquid and sent to a laboratory to check for HPV. If HPV is found, the sample will also be checked for cell abnormalities. This is called liquid-based cytology (LBC).

Your GP or health provider will let you know your results.  This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.

If your test finds HPV, it does not mean you have cancer. 

If HPV is found, you may be asked to have further tests, such as taking a cervical cell sample or smear. 

Types of results

  • HPV not detected. This means you will need another screening test in 5 years (or in 3 years if you are immunodeficient).

  • HPV 16 or HPV 18. You will need a further test called a colposcopy. This looks for cell changes that may lead to cancer. Most people who have HPV 16 or 18 will not have any cell changes, but it is important to check.

  • HPV other (sometimes, the type/number may be given). You will be asked to go back to your healthcare provider for further examination. You may be referred for colposcopy.

  • Invalid or unsuitable for analysis. This means  the sample could not be used for testing and you need to repeat it. For example, a heavy period could cause contamination of the sample. This result does not happen often.

This is the test collected by a healthcare provider. The test looks for cervical cell changes. Types of results:

  • Normal cytology -this means there were no abnormal cell changes. You will be notified when your next screening test is due.

  • Unsatisfactory cytology results - the sample could not be used for testing and you will need to repeat the test within 3 months. For example, a heavy period could cause contamination of the sample. This result does not happen often.

  • Inflammation or infection - discuss this with your healthcare provider. Often this does not require treatment.

  • Atypical changes (ASCUS)- this means it is unclear if cell changes have taken place. Mild changes often get better before your next test.

  • Mild or low-grade changes (LSIL) - this means there are some mild cell changes which are commonly from an HPV infection. Your healthcare provider will discuss if further tests are needed. Mild changes often clear up by themselves.

  • Moderate to severe (high-grade) changes (HSIL) - this means the cell changes are more advanced. This does not mean you have cancer, but you will need a follow up test called a colposcopy.

  • Glandular cell changes including adenocarcinoma-in-situ (AIS) - this means glandular cell changes have been found and you will need a follow up test called a colposcopy. 

  • Cancer - you will see a specialist within one week. It is important you go to your specialist appointment.

It is important that you go to follow up tests if you need them.

Find out more about the kinds of cytology results here

If your cervical screening test results suggest that you have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer, you will usually have more tests. You may also have tests to check for cervical cancer if you have symptoms. Some tests allow your doctor to see the tissue in your cervix and surrounding areas more clearly. If you have cancer, other tests tell the doctor about your general health and whether the cancer has spread. The sooner cancer is treated, the better the chances of success. It is important to go to your follow-up appointment.

Who should have cervical screening?

  • People with a cervix (including transgender or nonbinary people)

  • People assigned the female gender at birth

  • People aged 25 to 69 years of age and have ever been sexually active (including oral sex with males or females)

  • People aged 70 to 74 years who have not had a negative HPV swab in the last 5 years, or have not had two normal cervical samples between 62 and 69 years

  • Some people may still need a screening test if they’ve had a hysterectomy - check with your doctor

Cervical screening is still recommended, even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine.

Cervical screening is every 5 years if no HPV is found (or 3 years if you are immune deficient). 

For more information about cervical screening, visit  www.Cervicalscreening.govt.nz   

Risk factors for cervical cancer

Things that increase the risk of  cervical cancer include:

  • Infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)

  • Not having regular cervical screening

  • Long-term use of  oral contraception (the pill) 

  • Tobacco use

  • Having had more than six sexual partners 

  • Young age of starting sexual activity

  • More than five full-term pregnancies

If your mother was given a synthetic hormone (stilbestrol) during pregnancy, used from 1940 to the 1970s, you may need annual check-ups.

How much does cervical screening cost?

Free screening is available to people with a cervix who:

  • are 30 years and over who have never been screened

  • are 30 years and over and it has been 5 years or more since their last smear (cytology), or 7 years or more since their last HPV test

  • aged 70 to 74 years and have never been screened

  • aged 70 to 74 years and have not had two consecutive normal cervical cytology results between 62 to 69 years, or an 'HPV not detected' result in the 5 years prior to age 70

  • require follow-up testing, any age

  • aged 25 to 69 years and hold a Community Services Card

  • are Māori or Pacific aged 25 to 69 years

This screening programme is not fully funded. The cost will depend on where you get your test. 

At your local GP, you will be required to pay your usual fee. 

Some health services provide this test at low or no cost. You can phone and ask or check fees on their website.

Preventing cervical cancer

HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer

95% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is very common and normally spreads through sexual contact. It can affect many areas of the body including the cervix, penis, genitals, anus and throat. Some types of HPV cause genital warts, but most people do not know they are infected by the HPV virus.

Most types of HPV are not linked to cancer and will clear up by themselves within a few months. Most people infected by HPV do not develop cancer.

However, a small number of people are infected with high-risk HPV types (mainly HPV 16 and HPV 18) which increase the risk of developing cancer of the cervix, anus or throat if it is not treated. 

Screening enables your healthcare team to find an HPV infection or early cancer cell changes caused by the virus that can be treated.

Find out more about cervical cancer, including signs and symptoms here.

HPV vaccination – preventing cervical cancer

The HPV vaccine is very effective at providing long-lasting protection against the most common types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) that cause cervical cancer. 

The vaccine also protects against HPV types that cause other genital, anal, throat and mouth cancers in both males and females.

Under the National Immunisation Schedule, the HPV Gardasil® 9 vaccine is free for males and females aged between 9-26 years, and non-residents below the age of 18.

It is offered in two doses to primary school-aged children in year 7 or 8 (typically 11-13 years old). It works best before any exposure to HPV (before any sexual contact).  

Children or young adults under 27 years old who have not been vaccinated or missed their full dose should see their doctor or pharmacist for their free vaccine.

The HPV vaccine can offer long-lasting protection. 

Even if you have been vaccinated against HPV, you will need regular cervical screening tests because no vaccine is 100% effective and a small number of vaccinated people may still get an HPV infection. 

You may still benefit from getting the vaccine if you are aged 27 or over.  It can be purchased at your family doctor or Family Planning Clinic.

The HPV vaccine does not treat cervical cancer or precancerous cell changes.

Find out more:

Find out more:
Time to screen - cervical screening programme
Last updated: September 25, 2026