Frequently Asked Questions

The New Zealand Society of Cytology is a voluntary organisation that seeks to bring together all those with a professional interest in CYTOPATHOLOGY. It has a strong emphasis on education, professional development and quality improvement.

Our members are mainly medical and other non-medical professionals employed in pathology laboratories.

Statement Of Objectives (From NZSC Constitution)

1. To promote the effective use of cytology in medical diagnosis;
2. To foster the high standards of cytological practice in New Zealand;
3. To encourage research endeavours in cytology;
4. To represent the special interests of cytology to appropriate governmental and non-governmental associations;
5. To foster ongoing education in cytology through the provision of regular educational opportunities for the membership;
6. To foster an interest in the training, status, and conditions of employment of cytologists;
7. To establish liaisons with other appropriate organisations within New Zealand and in other countries.

A: Cytopathology is the study of disease at the cellular level. Cytology  is the study of cells. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably and strictly speaking this is incorrect but 'Cytology' is easier and quicker to say. .... and yes: the NZCS should probably be really called the New Zealand Society of Cytopathology! Sometimes cytopathology  is also known as Clinical Cytology.   In a hospital Cytology laboratory, scientists and doctors prepare and examine samples of cells from patients and try to give a diagnosis based on how the cells look.

The most well known cytology procedure is the cervical smear or Pap test but labs can look at cells from other body fluids and samples obtained by sticking a very fine needle into a suspicious lump (for example in a breast) . Cytopathology labs work closely with Histopathology (tissue pathology) labs and often some of the same staff will work in both departments.
CJ Woods

A: The aim of the cervical screening programme is to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. It tries to find (and refer for appropiate treatment) those women who have cell changes that may indicate that they are at increased risk of developing the disease. The cervical smear test is a simple way to screen for this. The following figures speak for themselves:

Studies from throughout the world have shown that as coverage of national cervical screening programmes has improved both incidence and deaths from cervical cancer have decreased. New Zealand statistics confirm that this has been the case here too.

Screening will never pick up all cases of cancer of the cervix but it's a fact that the vast majority of cases of cervical cancer occur in women who have never had a smear. Of course, the media will always pick up on the fact that some women have smears and still develop cancer. These cases are tragic and those of us involved in cytology have a genuine committment to reducing the chances of women falling through the net. But consider this: Hundreds of women have had abnormalities detected and treated. Many of them would not be alive today if it were not for the cervical screening programme... but good news doesn't sell newspapers.

Scientists and doctors in many parts of the world are looking at ways to improve screening programmes by using improvements in technology and processes. The NZSC helps those involved in New Zealand keep up to date with latest developments.
CJ Woods