Judith Collins National Party Health Spokeswoman

18 November 2004

Screening audit shows hiding stats hurt Maori

National's Health spokeswoman, Judith Collins, says the Ministry of Health's Cervical Screening Audit shows that hiding the cervical cancer statistics for Maori women for so long has put their health at risk.

Ms Collins says the health cervical screening kaitiaki regulations have prevented the access and dissemination of cervical cancer rates among Maori.

She says the statistics have been hidden for too long, and that this is part of the reason why Maori cervical screening levels are so low.

"If Maori women knew their cervical cancer rates were so high, they would be more inclined to get screened.

"Maori women deserve to know the facts. Information, like that made available today, is the only way to encourage fuller participation in the cervical screening programme.

"It is time the Government reviewed the workings of regulations," says Mrs Collins.

ENDS

© Scoop Media