The Government's commitment to providing a new self-test for human papillomavirus (HPV) is a step closer to reducing the stigma associated with the virus.
In New Zealand, around 160 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and about 60 women die from the disease.
Earlier this month, the Government announced $53 million will be put towards the development of and implementation of a self-swab test for HPV - a virus responsible for 99.7 percent of cervical cancer.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is New Zealand's most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Here's what you need to know.
What is HPV and how do you get it?
Most HPV infections in women clear by themselves but some variations of the virus can cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix - leading to cervical cancer.
Family Planning's National Medical Advisor Dr Beth Messenger says it's time to reduce the stigma associated around the virus.
"It's so incredibly common and it's an infection that often has no symptoms at all," she says. "HPV is the most common STI and as with all STIs the infection takes opportunity.
"So you know, we might talk about how it's 'higher risk to have multiple partners' but the virus doesn't look at risk, it looks at opportunity. So you actually only have to come into contact with HPV from one partner ever but you can still experience the consequences of it."
The virus can be passed on even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.
Not just transmitted through penetrative intercourse
HPV can be spread from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact, sexual activities, including via hands and during oral sex.
There is even some evidence it can be transmitted through childbirth, according to a Family Planning representative.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) says 80 percent of people who have been sexually active will have an HPV infection at some point in their lives.
"HPV infections often clear by themselves within 2 years (especially in women under 30) and people might not even know they had it," a MoH spokesperson said.
"However, sometimes it becomes a persistent infection, which over time may develop into cervical cancer."
So how can I protect myself against cervical cancer?
The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is offered to Year 8 students in New Zealand as part of the school-based immunisation programme.
The vaccine is free for New Zealand residents aged between 9 and 26, and at a cost for other clients.
Gardasil 9 provides protection from nine subtypes, including the four in Gardasil-4 which was the previously available funded vaccine.
Gardasil-9 offers protection from 7 high risk subtypes associated with cervical cancer, including the subtypes that can also cause other oral, genital and anal cancers as well as genetical warts.
But there are over 150 different types of HPV.
Types 16 and 18 are the most commonly associated with the development of cancer, accounting for about 70 percent of invasive cervical cancers.
HPV is present in nearly all cervical cancer cases. However, not all HPV infections lead to cervical cancer.
The Ministry of Health says these infections can clear naturally before they cause any health problems but having regular smear tests provides the "best possible protection" against cervical cancer.
Smear test programmes free for Kiwis between 25 and 69 years
Before November 1 2019, people aged 20 to 24 years were also offered free smear tests, but evidence shows little benefit to this age group.
"So, if you look at the numbers of cervical cancers over time, in that age group between 20 and 25, it's low numbers that's not changed," Dr Messenger says.
"So screening women between 20 and 25 has not reduced the number of women in that age group getting cervical cancer."
"Those younger women are more likely to clear the virus by itself. Young people also respond better to vaccination."
What happens if my smear ends up abnormal?
Dr Messenger says for most women, the virus naturally clears in one or two years. In some cases, HPV may take longer to clear from the body, increasing the risk of developing cervical cancer.
It's important to remember HPV infections are usually clear on their own. Most abnormal cells are not cervical cancer, and can usually be treated.
Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to help clear abnormal cells, it's up to your body's immune system.
HPV doesn't cause symptoms so the only way to be sure of your status is through regular testing.
The best way to protect yourself against cervical cancer is to continue practising safe sex, getting immunised and get regular cervical smears.
