Cervical Health and Cancer Prevention

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. – Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). This common sexually transmitted infection can affect the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area. – HPV infection is prevalent, but most people clear the infection on their own without developing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer screening is an integral part of routine health care for people who have a cervix. It can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early when it is easier to treat. There are three main ways to screen for cervical cancer: the HPV test, the Pap test, and the HPV/Pap co-test. The HPV test checks cells for infection with high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. The Pap test collects cervical cells and checks them for changes induced by HPV that may turn into cervical cancer if not treated. The HPV/Pap co-test uses both tests together to scan for both high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes. However, some people have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer due to factors such as a weakened immune system, smoking, reproductive factors, obesity, and exposure to a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES) in the womb. – Cervical cancer can be prevented by getting vaccinated against HPV, practising safe sex, avoiding smoking, and having regular cervical cancer screenings. – Cervical cancer screening is a test that checks for abnormal cells or HPV infection in the cervix. There are three main ways to screen for cervical cancer: the HPV test, the Pap test, and the HPV/Pap co-test. – The HPV test checks for infection with high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. The Pap test (also called a Pap smear or cervical cytology) collects cervical cells and checks for changes induced by HPV that may turn into cervical cancer. The HPV/Pap co-test uses both tests together to check for both HPV and cervical cell changes. The screening tests are usually done in a doctor’s office or clinic as part of a pelvic exam. The doctor will use a speculum to look inside your vagina and examine the cervix. Then, the doctor will utilise a small brush or spatula to gently collect a few cells and mucus from the cervix and the area around it. The cells are sent to a laboratory for testing. The screening tests are not painful but may cause discomfort or pressure. You may also have some spotting or bleeding after the tests. This is normal and should go away in a few days. How often you should be screened for cervical cancer and which tests you should get will depend on your age and health history. You should talk to your doctor about the best screening option for you. Generally, the screening recommendations are: – If you are 21 to 29 years old, you should get a Pap test every three years. – If you are 30 to 65 years old, you should get an HPV test every five years, an HPV/Pap c-test every five years, or a Pap test every three years. – If you are older than 65, you may not need to be screened anymore if you have been screened regularly and had normal test results. Cervical cancer screening can save lives by finding precancerous cells or cervical cancer early. However, no screening test is perfect. Sometimes, the tests may miss abnormal cells or find cells that are not cancerous but have the potential to do so. Therefore, following up with your doctor if you have abnormal test results or symptoms, such as unusual bleeding, discharge, or pain, is essential. Source: (1) What Should I Know About Cervical Cancer Screening? | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm. (2) Cervical Cancer Screening – NCI. https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/screening. (3) Pap smear – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/about/pac-20394841. (4) Here’s What to Know About Cervical Cancer Symptoms, Screenings, and Treatment, Say Expert Doctors. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/here-s-what-to-know-about-cervical-cancer-symptoms-screenings-and-treatment-say-expert-doctors/ar-AA1mIiaU. (5) Cervical cancer screenings are vital for women. https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/columns/2024/01/08/cervical-cancer-screenings-are-vital-for-women/72106221007/. (6) B.C. to favour HPV screening in testing for cervical cancer. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/other/bc-to-favour-hpv-screening-in-testing-for-cervical-cancer/ar-AA1mI9tu.