THERE ARE A FEW GOOD THINGS ABOUT THIS CANCER, HENCE SCREENING IS IMPORTANT

1. It is a preventable form of cancer.
2. It has a known cause – HPV ( Human Papilloma Virus).
3. It has a known mode of spreading – i.e it is sexually transmitted. But unlike other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), it is not fully protected by condoms.
4. It has a very good and inexpensive screening test, known as a PAP smear, which identifies it several years before the critical stage. This makes it amenable to prevention and early treatment with a good prognosis.
5. It has an effective vaccine

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What is cervical cancer screening?

Cervical cancer screening is used to find changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. Screening includes cervical cytology (also called the Pap smear) and DNA testing. Both together done is called co-testing
 

How does cervical cancer occur?
Cancer occurs when cervical cells become abnormal and over time, grow out of control. The cancer cells invade deeper into the cervical tissue. In advanced cases, cancer cells can spread to other organs of the body.

What causes cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is caused by Human Papilloma Virus

Who can get cervical cancer?
People at high risk are those who have
· Multiple sex partners,
· Early initiation of sexual activity,
· Poor knowledge of contraception,
· Hesitation in using the barrier method of male
partners,
· Low socioeconomic status with poor access to
health care services,
· Prostitutes,
· Prison inmates,
· Drug addicts
· Smoking
· Low immune status

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Why is cervical cancer screening important?

It usually takes 3–7 years for high-grade changes in cervical cells to become cancer. Cervical cancer screening may detect these changes before they become cancer. Women with low-grade changes can be tested more frequently to see if their cells go back to normal. Women with high-grade changes can get treatment to have the cells removed.

What are the cervical screening tests available?

Cervical cancer screening includes the Pap test and, for some women, an HPV DNA which is done as an outpatient procedure.

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How often and which tests should be done for cervical cancer screening?

Women aged 21–29 years should have a Pap test alone every 3 years. HPV testing is not recommended. Women aged 30–65 years should have a Pap test and an HPV test (co-testing) every 5 years (preferred). It also is acceptable to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.

 

After a hysterectomy, do one still need cervical cancer screening?

If you have had a hysterectomy, you still may need screening. The decision is based on whether your cervix was removed, why the hysterectomy was needed, and whether you have a history of moderate or severe cervical cell changes or cervical cancer. Even if your cervix is removed at the time of hysterectomy, cervical cells can still be present at the top of the vagina. If you have a history of cervical cancer or cervical cell changes, you should continue to have screening for 20 years after the time of your surgery.

Are there any women who should not follow routine cervical cancer screening guidelines? 

Yes. Women who have a history of cervical cancer, are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), have a weakened immune system, or who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth may require more frequent screening and should not follow these routine guidelines.

Having an HPV vaccination does not change screening recommendations. Women who have been
vaccinated against HPV still need to follow the screening recommendations for their age group.

What is an abnormal cervical cancer screening test result?

An abnormal result does not mean that you have cancer. Remember that cervical cell changes often go back to normal on their own. And if they do not, it often takes several years for even high-grade changes to become cancer.

If you have an abnormal screening test result, additional testing is needed to find out whether high-grade changes or cancer actually are present. Sometimes, only repeat testing is needed. In other cases, colposcopy and cervical biopsy may be recommended to find out the severity.