Cervical Cancer Screening Singapore: 4 Out of 5 Cases Preventable!

Introduction

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 570,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths in 2018. In Singapore, cervical cancer is the seventh most common cancer among women, with an estimated 160 new cases and 60 deaths in 2020.

The good news is that cervical cancer is highly preventable through regular screening and vaccination. The Pap test, which checks for precancerous cells on the cervix, has been shown to reduce the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90%. The HPV vaccine, which protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer, has been shown to be highly effective in preventing cervical cancer in young women.

Why is Cervical Cancer Screening Important?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that is very common.

Most women who get HPV will not develop cervical cancer. However, if HPV is not treated, it can cause changes in the cells of the cervix that can lead to cancer.

Cervical cancer screening is important because it can help find these changes early on, when they are easier to treat. Screening can also help prevent cervical cancer from developing in the first place.

What is Cervical Cancer Screening?

Cervical cancer screening is a simple procedure that can be done in a doctor's office or clinic. It involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope to look for any changes that could indicate cancer or pre-cancer.

There are two main types of cervical cancer screening tests:

• Pap test: The Pap test is the most common type of cervical cancer screening test. It is done by gently scraping cells from the cervix with a small brush or spatula. The cells are then sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope.
• HPV test: The HPV test checks for the presence of HPV in the cells of the cervix. It is done by taking a swab of cells from the cervix and sending it to a laboratory to be tested.

Who Should Get Screened?

All women who are sexually active should get regular cervical cancer screening. Screening should begin at age 21 and continue through age 65. Women who have certain risk factors, such as a weakened immune system or a history of HPV infection, may need to be screened more often.

How Often Should You Get Screened?

The recommended frequency of cervical cancer screening varies depending on your age and risk factors.

• Women under age 30: Should get a Pap test every 3 years.
• Women aged 30-65: Should get a Pap test every 5 years, or an HPV test every 5 years, or a Pap test and an HPV test together every 5 years.
• Women over age 65: Should talk to their doctor about whether or not to continue screening.

What Happens if My Screening Results Are Abnormal?

If your cervical cancer screening results are abnormal, it does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. It simply means that your doctor needs to take a closer look to determine if there are any changes in the cells of your cervix that could lead to cancer.

Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:

• Colposcopy: A colposcopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to see the cervix more closely. It is done using a special microscope that emits a bright light.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the cervix and examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

Treatment for Cervical Cancer

The treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer is a serious disease, but it is highly preventable through regular screening and vaccination. If you are a woman who is sexually active, it is important to talk to your doctor about cervical cancer screening and vaccination.

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cervical Cancer Screening
• National Cancer Institute: Cervical Cancer
• American Cancer Society: Cervical Cancer