NCSP coverage rate nears 80 percent target

NCSP coverage is defined as the proportion of eligible women (25-69 years) who have had a screening event (cytology, HPV or histology sample) recorded on the NCSP Register in the past three and five years (adjusted for hysterectomy prevalence in the population).

There were 2330 more Māori women screened in the three years to 31 December 2013 compared to the three years to 31 December 2012; 6075 more Asian women and 891 more Pacific women during this period. Overall there were 8536 more women screened during this period. European/Other women continue to have very high coverage.

Improving coverage for Māori, Pacific and Asian women is contributing to the reduction in the total number of cervical cancer cases being seen among these population groups. However, a further increase in coverage is necessary to achieve equity.