Cervical Cancer Screening Singapore: 10 Essential Facts You Need to Know

Introduction

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease that affects thousands of women in Singapore each year. The good news is that it can be detected early and treated successfully with regular screening and early detection. Here are 10 essential facts you need to know about cervical cancer screening in Singapore:

10 Essential Facts About Cervical Cancer Screening in Singapore

1. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women in Singapore. In 2020, there were an estimated 1,800 new cases of cervical cancer and 500 deaths from the disease.
2. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause changes in the cells of the cervix.
3. Cervical cancer screening can detect precancerous changes in the cervix before they develop into cancer. This allows for early treatment and prevention of cervical cancer.
4. The Pap smear is the most common type of cervical cancer screening test. The Pap smear collects cells from the cervix to be examined under a microscope for any abnormalities.
5. The HPV test is a newer type of cervical cancer screening test that can detect the presence of HPV. The HPV test is more sensitive than the Pap smear in detecting precancerous changes.
6. Cervical cancer screening is recommended for all women between the ages of 25 and 65. Women who have been vaccinated against HPV should still get regular cervical cancer screening.
7. Cervical cancer screening is free or low-cost in Singapore. There are a number of government-sponsored programs that provide free or low-cost cervical cancer screening to women who meet certain criteria.
8. Cervical cancer screening is safe and effective. The Pap smear and HPV test are both safe and effective ways to screen for cervical cancer.
9. Cervical cancer screening is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. Regular cervical cancer screening can help to detect precancerous changes early and prevent cervical cancer from developing.
10. If you have any questions about cervical cancer screening, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can provide you with more information about cervical cancer screening and help you decide which screening test is right for you.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer screening is an important part of women's health care. Regular cervical cancer screening can help to detect precancerous changes early and prevent cervical cancer from developing. If you are a woman between the ages of 25 and 65, talk to your doctor about getting a cervical cancer screening.

Tables

Table 1: Estimated Number of New Cases and Deaths from Cervical Cancer in Singapore, 2020

Table 2: Recommended Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines for Women in Singapore

Table 3: Government-Sponsored Cervical Cancer Screening Programs in Singapore

Table 4: Benefits of Cervical Cancer Screening