More work needs to be done to help prevent one of New Zealand's most avoidable cancers.

New research has revealed the majority of New Zealand women who develop cervical cancer have not been adequately screened.

A study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal has shown that of nearly 800 women who developed the cancer between 2008 and 2012, only 13 per cent were screened according to current guidelines.

The proportion was even higher among Maori and Pacific people, and those living in deprived areas.

Associate Professor Peter Sykes at Otago University told Mike Hosking it's not just a treatable cancer, but highly avoidable.

"Cervical cancer is preceded by at least 10 years of pre-cancerous abnormality and if that's treated, a woman's risk is then very low of getting cancer.

Sykes says we need to improve the uptake of regular cervical screening.

"To have a young woman in your clinic, or a middle aged woman in your clinic, with cervical cancer is always a tragedy."

LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER SYKES SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING