July 04, 2024
Wāhine Māori at front of queue for free cervical cancer screening
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Wāhine Māori will remain at the head of the queue for free cervical cancer screening.
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says he’s targeting funding at groups with the greatest need and highest clinical risk.
Wahine Māori are 1.7 times more likely to get cervical cancer incidence that non-Māori, and mortality is almost 2.5 times higher.
Pacific women also experience significantly higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates than to non-Pasifika.
Dr Reti says screening programmes are critical to getting an early diagnosis and timely treatment.
He says the introduction of the option to self-test for Human Papillomavirus or HPV has also significantly improved screening rates in those communities.
Community Service Card holders are also eligible for free screening.