Do it yourself test proves a game changer
When wāhine (women) get together, and the subject turns to health, chances are one of the things they mention is how they hate going to the doctor for cervical screening.
Some are so embarrassed by the prospect they refuse their screening; many have never bothered to go at all.
But since September last year, Te Whatu Ora’s National Cervical Screening Programme has had human papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing available and it has been a game changer, says Pinnacle Support to Screening mobile outreach nurse Tracey Bates.
“When I do in-home visits and explain how easy the new test is to do, it overcomes barriers to screening particularly for anyone who has been reluctant in the past,” she says.
“We consistently see wāhine who have refused screening but are then happy to do it themselves in the comfort of their own home.”
In the past year Pinnacle outreach mobile nurses have screened 776 hard to reach priority group wāhine in the Waikato. They have all been referred to the service by their medical centre.
The focus has been on Māori and Pacific communities and disengaged wāhine.
“There is no doubt screening saves lives but for some the previous standard speculum examination was embarrassing and painful, which prevented them from having it done,” says Tracey.
“We have been able to successfully screen wāhine who are 20-30 years overdue or never been screened before.”
By working with practices, Pinnacle’s mobile health nurses receive referrals and visit wāhine at their whare, outreach clinics or at the medical centre.
Many people aren’t aware of the new self-sampling HPV screening method, how easy it is to do and its benefits.
The kit includes a long cotton like bud which women / people with a cervix insert vaginally and take their own sample. The test, which takes about 20 seconds, is checking for the human papilloma virus which causes more than 95 per cent of all cervical cancers.
The test can be done even if the person is pregnant or has their period.
“The test is certainly a game changer - it is quick and easy, and saves lives,’ says Tracey.
This week the Pinnacle Incorporated Executive Committee has written to Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health and Labour MPs across the Midland region asking them to reconsider lowering the screening age for Māori and Pacific people.
Read moreAn Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago research study aims to develop tools and resources to increase vaccination of Māori and Pacific women in pregnancy. The research group is wanting to interview more practice nurses who deliver these vaccinations to hapū māmā, particularly in practices with high Māori and Pacific populations. Participation involves a one-hour kōrero via Zoom and participants will receive a $50 supermarket voucher as a thank you.
Read moreThe B4 School Check (B4SC) is a universal, comprehensive check for all four-year-old’s that includes height and weight, vision and hearing, immunisations, oral health, and behavioral and developmental components.
View detailsNational Cervical Screening Programme screening updates.