Auckland researchers test a self-assessment smear test to overcome cultural taboos



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  Pathologist reading a traditional cervical smear, which shows precancerous cells (CIN3).

Kirk Hargreaves

Pathologist reading a traditional cervical smear,

Maori women die of embarrassment, but a new smear test offers hope, says a researcher.

The DIY Approach to Cervical Cancer Can Help Women Overcome Dr. Karen Bartholomew, Director of Outcomes for Health at Waitemata District Health Boards and Women 's Hospital. Auckland said that the self-screening approach targeted women who had previously had negative experiences with smear exams or who were too embarrassed. to test in the first place.

"This research aims to combat health inequities while improving outcomes for patients' health and experience," she said.

READ MORE:
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] * The pilot project was designed to respond primarily to the needs of Maori women. "

  Talei Morrison, interpreter of Kapa haka, died of cervical cancer in June, launched the campaign Smear Your Mea ...

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Talei Morrison, interpreter of Kapa haka, died of cervical cancer in June Smear Your Mea campaign to encourage Maori women to opt for cervical smears

Ministry of Health figures showed that Maori women were twice more likely to have cervical cancer and 3.9 times more likely to die from the disease.

Bartholomew said the pilot self-screening of cotton swab simple has proven effective.

"Participating women and general medical clinics told us that self-sampling will be a very useful tool for overcoming barriers for women," Bartholomew said.

"Our research will help inform decision-making National sampling will be included in the Ministry of Health's change to primary screening for HPV starting in 2021. "

The trial, conducted by the research team on the subject, will be included in the study. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Self-Sampling Health Boards from Waitematā and Auckland, tested the effectiveness of a self-screening test to detect HPV cells.

Bartholomew said that the women received a sheet of instructions and asked for self-test.

"Self-sampling is well studied internationally and has been found to give comparable results to a cervical HPV sample taken by a health professional," she said.

"Maori, Pacific, and Asian women currently have less participation in cervical cancer screening than New Zealand / European women"

Researchers also looked at the likelihood of participation in the National Cervical Cancer Screening Program. ", did she say.

"There are many reasons for this, including barriers to access to health systems, cost, embarrassment, previous negative experiences and disadvantages.

Participants' comments were positive, with a number of women writing that self-assessment would help them keep abreast of their smears.

"I like this test for me because it's my body," writes one research participant

Another asked, "Why are not all women willing to do it?" [19659007About160womenwerediagnosedwithanannualuterusinNewZealandbasedonthefiguresforhealthcare

Just under a third of those diagnosed died of the disease.

Earlier this year, Talei Morrison, kapa haka performer and advocate, launched the Smear Your Mea campaign, encouraging Maori women to submit to their smear test.

Morrison died in June from a cervical cancer

The results of the study will be reviewed by the NCSP for inclusion in the national screening calendar of 2021. [19659030] – Tips and Tricks

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