New Zealand is nine months into the roll-out of a new cervical screening programme which includes a self-swab as an initial step. Dr Pip Shirley explains how this simple test aims to reduce cervical cancer cases. Together with other nations, we’re working towards an ambitious goal developed by the World Health Organization, the ‘90–70–90’ target, as we informally call it. It states that by 2030: 90% of girls should be fully vaccinated against HPV (Human papillomavirus) by age 15 70% of women should be screened using a high-performance test by age 35 and again by 45 90% of those identified with cervical disease should receive appropriate treatment So how is New Zealand going? Our national target is for 75% of young people to be fully vaccinated against HPV – ideally before their first sexual encounter. But, as of July 2023, only about 57% of 13–14-year-olds had been vaccinated. There is a strong link between HPV, which is incredibly common, and cervical cancer. That is why vaccination is such an essential preventative measure. Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix. It is triggered by cell changes caused by infection with HPV, so the second line of defence after vaccination is screening for HPV. In the past, cervical screening has involved a speculum examination and a cervical smear. The National Cervical Screening Programme now offers the option of a vaginal swab test first. This can be carried out by your GP or practice nurse, at a Māori, Pacific or women’s community health centre, at a Sexual Wellbeing (formerly Family Planning) clinic or at an outreach service, like marae and mobile units. Self-testing is an option, and some providers may offer a take-home test. Most test results (about 90%) come back normal. If a result comes back abnormal, the traditional smear test will be taken, followed by a colposcopy if needed. A colposcopy is an examination where a speculum is placed into the vagina and then a microscope is used to magnify the cervix. Two solutions are applied to the surface of the cervix to help identify any abnormalities. These can then be diagnosed further by taking a biopsy. Timetoscreen.nz has excellent plain language information for further reading. 85% of New Zealand’s cervical cancer sufferers have either never been screened or not opted for regular screening. We must do better. If a smear is required, it is important to know that your gynaecologist and colposcopist understand the discomfort. Examinations are performed with utmost respect and we try to ensure they are as tolerable as possible. If it helps you to feel better prepared, consider asking for an initial appointment to discuss the process first. You are also welcome to bring a support person. Remember that the purpose of screening is to review people with no symptoms to identify those who need to be offered early intervention and reduce adverse outcomes. The more people who participate in cervical screening, the more quickly we can identify those at risk of cervical cancer.

Across both public and private practice, Dr Greg Phillipson treats many women who have to cope with the devastation of recurrent early pregnancy loss. Seeking answers quickly can help to make sense of the emotions.

A tumultuous health journey teamed with a passion for wellness has seen Kate Perriam lovingly create Earth Wellness - a haven of tranquillity and healing in Sumner to serve those who are looking for answers outside typical biomedical treatments.

Most commonly associated with childbirth and ageing, incontinence can have a major impact on quality of life. But as Dr Geeta Singh explains, there are options for limiting the leakage.

Painful sex is more common than people think; in fact Dr Angela Beard sees patients with this complaint daily. She says the reasons for it can be wide-ranging and will depend on a woman’s age and stage.

Affecting 10–15 per cent of reproductive-age women, endometriosis is a painful disease that commonly causes fertility problems. Gynaecologist Dr Angela Beard breaks down the steps to take if you suspect you may be a sufferer

Shining the spotlight on heavy and painful periods, gynaecologist Dr Angela Beard wants to empower women of all ages, but especially our young wāhine to know that ‘suffering through’ isn’t the answer.

Who taught you how to eat and drink? And how do you decide now what to consume? Mostly importantly, why does it matter? Registered Nutritionist Stephanie Polson shares some informative advice when it comes to understanding what and how we eat.

Ocean & Green founder Daneen Morgan educates us on the natural benefits of marine nutrition, helping us to optimise our health, vitality and radiance.