Anne Allan-Moetaua, Pacific Strategic Advisor for the National Screening unit, urges every eligible woman to be regularly screened.
The numbers of women dying from breast and cervical cancers has significantly dropped in recent years. Much of this has to do with regular screening.
“If you have a regular cervical smear, abnormal cells can be detected and treated before becoming cancerous. And mammograms detect even the tiniest of cancers in the breast. Detecting it early gives you a better chance of survival.”
Cervical Screening
The National Cervical Screening Programme was established in 1990 for the purpose of reducing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer amongst women in New Zealand by detecting and treating precancerous cell changes.
Since the programme began there has been a dramatic decline in both the death rate and registration rate of cervical cancer.
“Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) – a sexually transmitted infection,” says Anne. “There are many types of HPV, and only a few are high risk types. Some woman can have HPV and not have cervical cancer.”
In 2006, 158 women were newly diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 52 women died from this cause. Four years on, mortality rates have dropped dramatically.
“Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer!” exclaims Anne. “There is no need for women to still be dying from this disease. Getting screened every three years greatly reduces your risk. The test doesn’t detect cancer; it detects changes in the cells before the cancer happens.”
Between December 2005 and June 2009, the rate of Maori women being screened improved from 47 percent to 53 percent. For Pacific women, the increase was from 42 percent to 57 percent.
Although these stats are great, Maori and Pacific women still need to reach the current target of 75 percent, and the goal is to have that achieved in the next three years.
“If you are between 20 and 70 years old and have ever been sexually active, even if only once, you should be screened every three years. It truly can save your life.”
Breast Screening
As at June 2009, 66 percent of all eligible women nationwide were breast screened and the stats for both Maori and Pacific women increased by more than 15 percent respectively.
The stats show the message is starting to get across, however there are many issues still preventing women from having a mammogram.
“Our women have a fear of the unknown. This is part of the reason they aren’t going for tests. Many are shy and others don’t have access to clinics but we now have mobile units to aid this inaccessibility.
“Some women are also worried about pain. We all perceive pain differently. If someone has had a bad experience with a mammogram, that’s what they’ll tell their friends. Yes, your breasts will be squashed, and it will be a bit uncomfortable, some women find it painful and some women don’t. But you have to put it into perspective.”
Cancer does not discriminate. Why it develops in some women and not others is not clear. What is known is that breast cancer is linked to hormones, particularly oestrogen, and risk factors include age (breast cancer is more prevalent in older women), previous breast cancer, inherited genetic factor or exposure to repeated high dose radiation.
Once a mammogram is done, specially trained radiologists check, and co-check the X-rays. Results are then sent to you and, if you request, your GP. Most results are normal; others may require you to come back for another visit. What’s important is that you follow-up and continue the screening every two years.
“Breast screening is free in New Zealand for all women aged 45 to 69, or if a close relative, like your mother or sister, has been diagnosed with breast cancer,” says Anne. “Screening can be done at your local hospital or at one of the mobile units throughout the country.”
To find a mobile unit, visit the http://www.nsu.govt.nz/ freecall BreastScreen Aotearoa on 0800 270 200.
Know your body
“Be aware of your body changes,” says Anne. “Look at your breasts and check for new lumps, a thickening in the breast, change in shape or size, unusual pain, puckering or dimpling of the skin, changes to a nipple, a rash or reddening of the skin or a discharge. And take note if you are bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse, have an unusual vaginal discharge, or are bleeding after menopause. These could be possible indicators of breast or cervical cancer.”
Remember, do not solely rely on your own findings as diagnosis, seek an expert medical opinion and talk to your GP about any changes happening to your body.