HPV self-test a ‘game changer’ for cervical cancer screening

Last week Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello issued a media release celebrating the strong uptake of the new HPV self-test since its introduction on 12 September, 2023. This good news coincides with September being Cervical Screening Awareness Month.

The release states more than 80 per cent of all women and people with a cervix opted for the self-test for cervical screening since it became available. Crucially, 86 to 87 per cent respectively of previously unscreened and under-screened wāhine opted to use the self test.

“Since September 2023, more than 380,000 women have had their screening check. Of those, 80.8 per cent have had self-tests recorded,” says Dr Reti.

“The self-test is a quick, simple swab which women can do themselves if they choose. It detects HPV, which causes over 95 per cent of cervical cancers.”

Casey Costello said the easy-to-use nature of the test is adding to its reach.

“The new option means screening now also appeals to new groups who may never have been screened, and can motivate those who haven’t been screened in a very long time to want to take it,” says Casey Costello.

“We’ve heard from up and down the country that women who have carried out their screen with the self-test have found it really easy, quick and that’s left them feeling happy.

“One year into the programme, that response, and the early data, is encouraging,” Casey Costello says.

As part of this programme the government also introduced free cervical cancer screening for “at risk groups” including Māori, Pacific peoples, and those from low-income households (CSC cardholders). This initiative was rolled over for another year to September 2025.

In the release the Minister’s office states the new screening data can be assessed more fully once a 12-to-18-month period has passed. Hei Āhuru Mōwai will seek a clearer understanding of the HPV self-test uptake and screening participation rates for wāhine Māori specifically, in due course. The full media release can be viewed here.

We acknowledge the government’s recent decision to continue HPV self-test and cervical screening funding for underserved communities through to September 2025. We also look forward to discussing a deeper commitment to developing a Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy - and possibly other HPV related cancers - alongside our partners at the Cancer Society of New Zealand, RANZCOG, and Prof. Beverley Lawton and team at Te Tātai Hauora o Hine - National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa.

Upcoming Cervical Cancer Awareness Events

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand are running a series of free events alongside Hauora Māori, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and at marae across the motu. All are welcome to come along and discuss or even take part in free cervical cancer screening using the mana-enhancing new HPV self-test. More events and opportunities to get screened will be added as they are confirmed.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa campus events

Whirikōkā 17th & 18th September, 5pm – 8pm
630 Childers Road, Te Hapara, Gisborne.

Waitākere 17th September, from 11:30am
207 Lincoln Road, Henderson, Auckland.

Raroera 18th September, 9am – 2pm
510 Te Rapa Road, Te Rapa, Hamilton.

Te Puna Manaaki 18th September, 10am-2pm
320 Factory Road, Te Awamutu.

Porirua 20th September, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
3/5 Heriot Drive, Elsdon, Porirua.

Mangakōtukutuku 24th September, 9am - 3pm
254 Ohaupo Road, Glenview, Hamilton.

Tukarere 24th September, 10am – 1pm
180 17th Avenue, Tauranga South, Tauranga.

Haoura Māori and Marae based events

Kauhanga 17th September, 10am – 2pm
62 Honeymoon Road, Peria, Kaitaia.

Waimanoni 18th September, 10am – 2pm
924 Far North Road, Waipapakauri Awanui.

Kahungunu Exec 24-27 September, 9am – 3.30pm
Te Ara Waiora 198 Marine Parade, Wairoa.

Dates TBC - check back soon for more info

Te Papaiōuru 27 or 28 September (TBC), 10am – 2pm
Tunohopu Road, Ōhinemutu, Rotorua.

Hauiti Hauora (TBC), 10am – 2pm
29 Hauiti Road, Tolaga Bay

Manaaki Matakaoa (TBC), 10am – 2pm
27 Pakiakanui Road, Te Araroa.

Ruatōria (Ngāti Porou Hauora) TBC.