Southern Steel and Southern DHB team up to promote women’s health

Southern Steel has teamed up with the cervical screening team at Southern DHB to encourage women to have a regular smear test.

Through posters featuring Southern Steel players Wendy Frew, Te Huinga Reo Selby–Rickit and Abby Erwood, the players are hoping that promoting the importance of having regular smear tests will encourage female fans and local women to get screened.

The posters will be placed in GP practices and other public places across the southern district and will also be shown on the big screen reel for the Southern Steel’s next two games at the Southland Stadium.

“It’s really important to look after your health and I know that often women put off going for a smear test.  I look after my health and I’m hoping that the messages on the posters will encourage women to talk about cervical screening and take up their screening appointments,” says Southern Steel captain Wendy Frew.

Having regular cervical smear tests reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer by 90 percent.  Three yearly screening is recommended for women from the age of 20 to 69 who have been sexually active.

Southern DHB Cervical Screening Programme Leader, Linda Moir says, “We’re delighted to be able to team up with Southern Steel players to raise awareness of the importance of having regular smear tests. The risk of developing cervical cancer is reduced by regular cervical screening, and it is also very treatable if it is diagnosed early. The sooner something is detected the sooner it can be treated. ”

“Having a smear test only takes a few minutes, and it’s the most effective way of detecting cervical cell changes early so that treatment can begin quickly. It’s well worth the small amount of time it takes for women and their families to have that piece of mind that they’re healthy.”

Every year 160 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in New Zealand, with 50 women who die from it.

Women who have missed their cervical screening appointment or have never been screened are encouraged to contact their General Practice, Family Planning or smear taker to book an appointment.

For more information about cervical screening go to http://www.timetoscreen.nz/cervical-screening/ or free phone 0800 729 729.

*Photo of Sue Smith, SDHB Cervical Screening Advisor holding the posters featuring Southern Steel players