Lay summary
Maori women are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and three times more likely to die of cervical cancer than Pakeha women. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the cause of cervical cancer. HPV testing is new technology which will replace present cervical cytology screening in the future. Prevention and early detection remain the key interventions for addressing Maori needs and reducing inequalities in cervical cancer in New Zealand. To meet this need we have designed a community based Kaupapa Maori research project called He Tapu Te Whare Tangata to improve access to cervical cancer screening. He Tapu Te Whare Tangata gives Maori ownership of the process of instigating this innovative HPV screening using a community research partnership model rather than responding to future national models that may not suit Maori needs. To improve health outcomes for Maori its essential to have input and collaboration.
This grant was awarded to University of Otago but was later transfered to Research Trust of Victoria University of Wellington.