Calls for Free Cervical Cancer Screening Gain Momentum in New Zealand

The National Centre for Women’s Health Research is urging the New Zealand government to extend free cervical cancer screening to all residents. This call to action coincides with the 20th anniversary of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, a Māori-led research centre at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington, which has been instrumental in promoting Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing. Since its introduction in 2023, the National Cervical Screening Programme, which includes self-testing, remains the only national health screening not available to all New Zealanders at no cost.

Professor Bev Lawton ONZM, founder of the National Centre for Women’s Health Research and 2025 New Zealander of the Year, highlighted the inconsistency in the country’s commitment to health equity. “HPV screening saves lives, it’s that simple. But cost is still a barrier for too many women,” she stated. Lawton emphasized that every other major health screen in New Zealand is free, arguing that there is no reason cervical screening should not be similarly accessible. She believes that making HPV testing free could significantly increase participation and potentially prevent nearly every case of cervical cancer. “The science is clear, the system is ready, and the time is now,” she asserted.

Calls for Urgent Action on Screening Accessibility

Dr. Kendall Stevenson, a senior research fellow at Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, echoed the need for action, stating that cervical cancer is a preventable disease. “No whānau should have to be impacted by cervical cancer because we have the tools to prevent it,” she said. Stevenson underscored the broader implications of cervical cancer, noting that it affects not just individual women but entire families, impacting whakapapa and cultural lineage.

The conversation surrounding cervical cancer screening is particularly urgent given the socioeconomic barriers that currently exist. Stevenson pointed out that while New Zealand has made significant strides in implementing HPV self-testing as the primary screening method, the lack of funding for free screening presents an immediate equity issue. “In today’s climate, where the cost of living is high, any out-of-pocket expense for screening is a barrier,” she explained.

Even in clinics that advertise free screenings, patients may encounter additional costs that complicate access. “It’s unjust that someone needing a screening should ever have to pay for that service,” Stevenson remarked.

Research indicates that Wāhine Māori are disproportionately affected by cervical cancer, experiencing worse outcomes than their non-Māori counterparts. Stevenson underscored the potential for completely eliminating cervical cancer, stating, “Imagine a world with no cervical cancer. You can live a free life without having to worry about cervical cancer. That’s the ultimate end goal.”

Potential for Elimination Through Vaccination and Screening

The call for free cervical cancer screening is paired with a recommendation for increased investment in vaccination programs. Stevenson believes that a comprehensive approach combining free screening with vaccination could pave the way for the elimination of cervical cancer.

Minister of Health Simeon Brown has been approached for comment regarding this pressing public health matter. As advocates continue to push for change, they emphasize the importance of making cervical screening freely accessible to all, aiming to ensure equity in healthcare across New Zealand.

These developments highlight a significant moment in women’s health advocacy, with the potential to transform screening practices and ultimately save lives.