What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cervical Cancer (Diagnosis and Testing)

Introduction;

Cervical Cancer happens when the cells in the cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina) begin to change to precancerous cells. Not all precancerous cells will turn to cancer, but finding and treating these problematic cells before they can change is critical to preventing cervical cancer.

Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), a prevalent virus transmitted through sexual contact. cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. In 2018, an estimated 570 000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide, and about 311 000 women died. (source; https://www.who.int/)

Most women get HPV at some point in their lives and do not realize it because their bodies fight the infection. However, when the body doesn’t fight the infection, it can cause the cells of the cervix to change to cancerous cells.

Cervical Cancer, when detected early, is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer if managed effectively. Cancers diagnosed in late stages can also be controlled with appropriate treatment.

Cervical Cancer Prevention;

Cervical cancer can be prevented by having regular screenings with Pap tests, and Human papillomavirus (HPV) tests to discover any precancers and treat them early enough. HPV vaccine is also used to prevent Cervical Cancer.

Other ways to prevent cervical cancer include;

Practising safe sex by using condoms.
Delaying first sexual intercourse until older.
Avoiding sexual intercourse with people who have had multiple sexual partners.
Limiting the number of sexual partners

Cervical Cancer Testing;

Cervical cancer develops slowly and over many years. Before turning to cancer, the cells in your cervix undergo many changes. Cervical Cancer Screening is used to detect precancerous changes or early cancers before signs or symptoms of cancer occur. The overall goals of cancer screening are to:

Reduce the number of people who die from cancer or eliminate deaths from the cancer
Reduce the number of people who develop the cancer

The tests used to detect cervical cancer are the Pap Test and HPV Test.

Pap Test: Also called Pap Smear, it is the most common test for early cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. A Pap test involves gathering a sample of cells from the cervix. . A Pap test may be combined with an HPV test. This test detects abnormal or irregular cells in your cervix.
HPV Test: This test is done on a sample of cells removed from the cervix, the same sample used for the Pap test. This test detects the high-risk types of HPV infection most likely to cause cervical cancer. HPV testing may be done by itself or combined with a Pap test. This test may also be done on a sample of cells collected from the vagina, which a person can collect independently.

Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). VIA is a screening test that can be done with a few tools and the naked eye. During VIA, a dilution of white vinegar is applied to the cervix. The health care provider then looks for abnormalities on the cervix, which will turn white when exposed to vinegar. This screening test is very useful in places with limited access to medical care.

At Paramount LifeCare, we have a carefully curated cervical cancer screening package, a collection of relevant tests to detect cervical cancer.

When to Begin Testing;

Pap tests begin at age 21, If the Pap test result is normal, your doctor may recommend you wait three years until your next Pap test. It is recommended that all women receive at least one HPV Test to screen for Cervical Cancer in their lifetime. Also, women age 25 to 65 should receive one HPV Test every five years.

Women with certain risk factors may be recommended more frequent Pap Tests regardless of age. These risk factors include;

Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth.
Weakened immune system due to organ transplant or chemotherapy.
Presences of precancerous cells from previous tests.
HIV Infection.

It is important to talk to your healthcare professional to know how often to get tested and which test is appropriate.

Things to Note Before Your Test

To ensure accurate results when getting a Pap Test, take note of the following steps;

Avoid sexual intercourse, douching, and using vaginal medicines or spermicidal foam for two days before the test.
Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period. It’s best to avoid this time of your cycle, if possible.

No special preparation is needed for HPV Test.

What to Expect During Pap Smear Test.

You’ll lie on an exam table with your knees bent. The doctor will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum holds the walls of your vagina apart so that the doctor can properly see inside your cervix.

Then the doctor will take samples of the cells in your cervix spatula. This usually doesn’t hurt but might cause a totally normal sensation.

The samples are transferred to a laboratory, examined under a microscope for cell characteristics that indicate cancer or a precancerous condition.

After Test

The doctor will notify you when to get your result, but it can take three weeks. If your test results show negative, meaning that only normal cells were discovered, you don’t need any further treatment, and your chances of getting cervical cancer in the next few years are meagre. Your doctor would tell you to wait several years before your next cervical cancer screening, but regular health checkup is still essential.

If your test result is positive, which means the presence of abnormal or unusual cells, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. Your doctor would suggest the best follow-up.

If your test results show cells that are abnormal and cancerous, a suitable treatment route would be suggested by your doctor.

At Paramount LifeCare, we don’t just stop at diagnostic tests; we also offer Doctor’s Consultation through our Telehealth Service; for more information, visit our website to begin.

In Summary,

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control, and cervical cancer occurs when the cells in the cervix are abnormal and begin to change to precancerous cells. Of all the gynecologic cancers, only cervical cancer has screening tests that can detect this cancer early. Early detection and treatment can help to reduce risk and save a life.

The most important things you can do to help prevent cervical cancer are to get vaccinated against HPV, have regular screening tests and go to a doctor to begin a treatment route if your screening test result is positive.

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cervical Cancer (Diagnosis and Testing)