Promotion of Breast and Cervical Screening
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Promotion of Breast and Cervical Screening
Health promoters in the breast and cervical screening area work within the framework provided by BreastScreen Aotearoa and the National Cervical Screening Programme. Both programmes aim to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with breast and cervical cancer by early detection and treatment. Health promotion of screening programmes ensures that women who can benefit from screening are informed and empowered to take advantage of those benefits. Both programmes have a well women focus and acknowledge both the benefits and limitations associated with participation in screening programmes.
Importance of breast and cervical screening
- Regular cervical screening reduces the incidence of cervical cancer by 90%
- 80% of women who develop cervical cancer have never had a smear or have had irregular smears
- Approximately 180 women develop cervical cancer every year and 60 die from it
- Approximately 2400 women develop breast cancer every year
- Regular breast screening can detect between 75% and 85% of unsuspected cancers
- Regular breast screening reduces the chance of dying from breast cancer by 20-45% depending on a woman’s age.
Breast Screening
The Breast Screening Programme aims to:
- Provide comprehensive information about the purpose of breast screening including the benefits and limitations
- Increase awareness of breast health, breast screening and breast cancer among eligible women
- Encourage informed participation in BreastScreen Aotearoa
Cervical Screening
The Cervical Screening Programme aims to:
- Increase the awareness of the National Cervical Screening Programme among women
- Encourage informed participation in the programme by providing accurate and appropriate information about the screening programme
- Focus on groups of women who have significantly lower rates of participation and facilitate their participation.
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