Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds says it's a breakthrough that cervical screening will be free for all eligible Invercargill and Southland women from March next year.

"That means that all women aged 25 to 69 will be able to access cervical screening without paying a charge - which can be anywhere from $35 to more than $100.

"Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. When cervical cancer is found early, around 91 percent of women survive - but once it's spread, survival falls to around 19 percent.

"We know that our national screening programmes save lives, but unlike breast and bowel screening, cervical screening is not free for every woman.

"That's why this change is such a breakthrough, opening up eligibility across the spectrum for women in this province.

"Making cervical screening free for all women builds on National's other commitments to screening, including extending free breast screening to women up to age 74 and lowering the bowel screening age for all - from 60 to 56.

"The goal is the same every time, and that's to find cancer earlier, treat it sooner, and save more lives."

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