Self-testing for cervical screening is now an option for most NZ women. This study is to find out about different ways to offer a self-test for cervical screening, so that more women get checked to prevent cervical cancer.
The study is a joint project between Te Whatu Ora – Waitematā, Te Toka Tumai Auckland, and Counties Manukau districts and Total Healthcare PHO (Tāmaki Health clinics) with additional funding from the National Screening Unit to help inform the new National Screening Programme.
What is self-testing for cervical screening?
Self-testing is when women collect their own sample for cervical screening using a swab in their vagina. This can be done in private or with the support of a nurse or doctor – it’s your choice. A self-taken vaginal swab is just as good as a clinician-taken sample for detecting HPV.
The sample is then tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that can cause cervical cancer.
Self-testing is for people who are eligible for cervical screening. In this study it includes people who are:
For some people, self-testing may not be appropriate. We recommend that you see your nurse or doctor or contact the Study Nurse if you:
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with the Cervical Screening Self-Test Support Team on 0800 747 354.
How will self-testing kits be offered?
The study has different options for providing the self-test kit:
Because the self-test is being offered as part of a research study, those who choose to participate will need to provide their consent.
Women who decline to take part in this study or do not return a self-test will remain eligible for cervical screening under the National Cervical Screening Programme.
The self-test kits sent out contain everything needed to collect and return a sample: a swab, instructions with pictures, study brochure, laboratory request form and a prepaid pre-addressed courier bag for returning the sample to the laboratory.
All screening tests and any follow-up care is free during this study.
How to take your self-test for cervical screening
Taking your self-test is simple; you can do it! Research shows that 99% of people do it correctly.
You don’t need to find your cervix to do the test.
Step 1: Get Ready
Step 2: Take the test
Step 3: Finishing the test
What if I make a mistake?
It is okay to continue with the test if you:
If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Cervical Screening Self-Test Support Team on 0800 747 354.
Are there any special handling requirements?
Your self-test can be stored at room temperature. Please arrange for your self-test to be returned as soon as possible.
What happens next?
You will receive your results from the cervical screening study team two or three weeks after your test. If your result is negative, you’ll be contacted by text message. If your result is positive, you will get a call from one of our nurses to discuss what happens next, and answer any questions.
Kōrero mai
Your feedback is important and will help decide how self-testing is done in the future.
After we contact you with your result, we will send a link to a survey – we want to hear what you think, so please let us know!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cervical screening self-test right for me?
It’s your choice. Women can now choose how they do a cervical screening test as part of the National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP). Many people find doing the self-test easier than getting a smear with their nurse or doctor. A self-taken vaginal swab is just as good as a clinician-taken sample for detecting HPV. If you have had a hysterectomy, or previously had an abnormal smear result, ask the study nurse whether the self-test is right for you. If you have had the HPV vaccine, you can still take part in the study. If, at any time, you wish to opt out of self-testing and have a smear test, talk to the study nurse or your own doctor or nurse.
Are you researching if self-testing is as effective as the previous cervical smear screening test?
No, this is not the research topic. Self-testing is as accurate as a test taken by a nurse or doctor to check for HPV; and is a more effective primary screening test than the test previously used for cervical screening. Self-testing for HPV is now part of the National Cervical Screening Programme and is used in other countries like Australia, Denmark and the Netherlands. This study is about how best to offer and deliver self-testing to wāhine, whānau and people in Aotearoa.
I have had the HPV vaccine; do I need cervical screening?
Yes, if you have been immunised you still need regular cervical screening tests. While the vaccine protects against the 9 most common types of HPV it doesn’t protect against them all, so it’s important to have cervical screening even if you have had the HPV vaccine.
I’m not sure if I am due for screening, how do I find out?
This study is for women due or overdue for their cervical screening. If you’re not sure if you are due, you can talk to your nurse or doctor, or you can ring our Cervical Screening Self-Test Support Team on 0800 747 354.
If I’m pregnant, can I still take part in the study?
Yes, the self-test is safe for hapū (pregnant) māmā. There are no safety concerns with people who are pregnant self-testing with a vaginal swab.
I have had a hysterectomy, am I still eligible for the study?
Some people who have had a hysterectomy are still recommended to have regular screening and may be eligible for a self-test. Some will no longer need screening. Talk to your nurse or doctor about if the study is right for you, or you can ring our Cervical Screening Self-Test Support Team on 0800 747 354.
I have had recent treatment after a cervical screening test.
Talk to your nurse or doctor about if the study is right for you, or you can ring our Cervical Screening Self-Test Support Team on 0800 747 354.
I’m doing the self-test; can my whānau member to also take part in the study?
We can check. You can talk with our Cervical Screening Self-Test Support Team on 0800 747 354.
I have never had sex, am I eligible for the study?
No, people who have never had sex are not eligible for cervical screening. Talk to your nurse or doctor if you are worried about HPV and are not eligible for cervical screening.
How do I know if I’ve done it correctly?
Research shows that 99% of people take a self-test correctly. Along with each testing kit is an easy-to-follow instruction sheet to help you take the sample.
You do not need to know where your cervix is to do this test. HPV lives in the genital area instead of just the cervix, so taking your sample from the vagina will pick up whether HPV is present.
Can I take the sample when I have my period?
You can do the self-test when having your period. However, only do this if you are comfortable - otherwise wait until your period has finished.
Can my self-test be checked for STI’s?
The self-test does not check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or HIV.
How is my data going to be used in the study?
Data on participation will tell us how effective different ways of offering self-testing are and what groups of women are more likely to access screening through these methods. The study will only collect information relevant to cervical screening. All information will be kept confidential and secure.
About my results
You will receive your results from the cervical screening study team two or three weeks after your test. If your result is negative, you’ll be contacted by text message. If your result is positive, you will get a call from one of our nurses to discuss what happens next, and answer any questions.
Around one in ten women will test positive for HPV on their self-test. If you test positive for HPV, it does not mean you have cervical cell changes or cervical cancer, but it does mean you need to have a follow up test. The study team is available to support you and can arrange for a Kaiāwhina (support person) to help you with appointments and transport.
A self-test for HPV predicts your risk of cervical cell changes that may cause cervical cancer.
There are four possible results from the cervical screening self-test process:
No HPV was found on your sample. There is a very low chance of developing cervical cell changes that would need treatment in the next five years. For that reason, it is safe to have your next cervical screening test in five years’ time.
If you experience any symptoms before your next test, such as abnormal bleeding, see your doctor or nurse without delay, even if your last cervical screening test was normal.
Your test result- shows that you have HPV type 16 and/or 18. A follow up test with a specialist at a colposcopy clinic is recommended to assess for changes to cervical cells that may cause cervical cancer.
Your result shows that you have one or more of the other (non 16/18) HPV types. A follow up smear test is recommended to look for cervical cell changes that may cause cervical cancer. Further follow up will be recommended if cell changes are shown.
An invalid test result occurs when the swab didn’t touch the sides of the vagina or when there is a lot of discharge or blood present. If your result is invalid the study nurse will contact you to offer support with a follow up test.
Some people do feel worried about their result. You are welcome to contact our study nurse or Kaiāwhina with any questions or concerns on 0800 747 354.
If you want to know more about HPV visit https://www.hpv.org.nz/
Is it safe to wait for 5 years for my next cervical screening if I test negative?
Yes – A negative HPV test means you don’t have an HPV type that is linked to cervical cancer. It is safe to wait five years for your next screening test.
Testing for HPV is a more sensitive first test than the smear test previously used for cervical screening. If you don’t have HPV your risk of developing cell changes that may cause cancer within five years is very low. There are now hundreds of international studies that prove this.
The previous screening test detected cell changes that occur because of the presence of HPV and needed to be done every 3 years. This is part of why the cervical screening programme in Aotearoa has changed to an HPV primary test. If you don’t have HPV, it is very unlikely that you will have cervical cell changes that can cause cancer.
Even if you were to develop an HPV infection the day after your test, you would still be at very low risk, as it can take 10 to 15 years for cervical cancer to develop following infection with HPV.
I have HPV - what about my partner?
You can have HPV for a long time without ever knowing it. HPV can stay in the body for 10-20 years. Finding out you have HPV doesn't mean you or your partner have been unfaithful.
It's your decision whether or not to tell your partner you have HPV.
If you do decide to tell your partner you have HPV, it might help to include these points:
I’m hāpu (pregnant) can I pass HPV on to my baby?
Studies show that passing on HPV during childbirth is very rare; it is also completely safe to breastfeed if you have HPV. If you are hāpu and have HPV we recommend that you let your Midwife or Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) know.
Does HPV have symptoms?
No – HPV does not have symptoms. Some people ask if vaginal discharge and feeling itchy or uncomfortable are caused by HPV. These symptoms are not caused by HPV. If you have discharge or symptoms that worry you see your doctor or nurse for a sexual health check.
Is there treatment for HPV?
There is no treatment for HPV, and in most cases, HPV is cleared by the body naturally. Some other types of HPV can cause genital warts – the self-test for cervical screening does not look for genital warts. If you have think you have genital warts, speak with your doctor or nurse.
Does HPV affect men?
HPV can affect men as well. HPV can cause anal, penile, head and neck cancers. There is currently no approved screening test for HPV in men. Anyone concerned about these cancers should speak with their doctor or nurse.
HPV can also affect trans men. Cervical screening is the best way to detect HPV in trans men and can be discussed with the Study Nurse.
What about cervical cancers that aren’t caused by HPV?
Cervical cancers that aren’t caused by HPV are very rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cervical cancers. There is no effective screening test for these cervical cancers. Neither the smear test, nor the HPV test is able to detect these rare cervical cancers.
I have another question?
You are welcome to contact our Cervical Screening Self-Test Support Team on 0800 747 354 with any questions you have.
I have another question?
You are welcome to contact our Cervical Screening Self-Test Support Team on 0800 747 354 with any questions you have.
Contact Information
For any questions, please contact:
Cervical Screening Self-Test Support Team on 0800 747 354
Email: hpvstudy@waitematadhb.govt.nz
Dr Karen Bartholomew, Lead Researcher.
Mobile: 021 211 5629.
Email: Karen.Bartholomew@waitematadhb.govt.nz
