One of my role models, Doctor Egemba Chinonso Fidelis (Aproko Doctor), recently held a cervical cancer screening event. He screened thousands of women for free and was able to identify some women who had precancerous lesions.  If these women had not done the screening, there is a big chance that they would have developed cervical cancer.

I was inspired by the outreach and decided to write about cervical cancer screening. This article will discuss cervical cancer and the importance of screening.

Cervical cancer is a significant health concern for women worldwide. It develops silently and only shows symptoms in the later stages. By the time the cancer gets to the later stages, it becomes difficult to treat and can lead to death. Fortunately, with advancements in medical technology and widespread awareness, cervical cancer is largely preventable and treatable if detected early.

If we can identify abnormal changes in cervical cells before they turn cancerous, we can save lives. Screening tests like the Pap smear and HPV testing have helped so many women.

What is Cervical Cancer

Every woman has a cervix. It is like the door to the uterus. It is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. In cervical cancer, there are abnormal cells in the cervix growing uncontrollably. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide.

Many cervical cancer cases are linked to persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. However, not all HPV infections lead to cervical cancer; the body’s immune system often clears the virus on its own. This means that if you are sexually active, you might be at risk.

Risk Factors for Developing Cervical Cancer

Several factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer, including:

• HPV types 16 and 18 infection
• Smoking
• Weakened Immune System
• Long-term Use of Oral Contraceptives
• Multiple Full-term Pregnancies
• Early Sexual Activity and Multiple Sexual Partners

How Serious is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is classified into stages based on how far the cancer has spread. These stages help determine the treatment plan and determine the seriousness of the disease

Stages of Cervical Cancer

Stage I: Cancer is confined to the cervix. It is often highly treatable and has a good prognosis.

Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix to nearby tissues, such as the upper part of the vagina or the pelvic wall. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lower part of the vagina, pelvic wall, or lymph nodes. It is more challenging to treat and may require a combination of treatments.

Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the bladder, rectum, or other parts of the body. This stage is considered advanced and requires comprehensive treatment strategies.

Survival rates for cervical cancer depend on several factors, including the stage at diagnosis, the patient’s overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment. Early-stage cervical cancer has a higher survival rate compared to advanced stages.

Can You Live 10 Years After Cervical Cancer?

Yes, many women live long and healthy lives after a cervical cancer diagnosis, especially if the cancer is detected and treated early. Advances in treatment and early detection have improved long-term survival rates. Regular follow-up care and monitoring are essential for managing health and detecting potential recurrence.

What Are the Five Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer?

As the cervical cancer progresses, several warning signs may indicate the presence of the disease. Here are five key symptoms to watch for:

One of the most common signs of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding. This can include:

• Bleeding between periods
• Spotting or bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after menopause
• Heavier or more extended menstrual periods than usual

If you experience any of these types of bleeding, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause.

Other warning signs to look out for include:

• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pain during urination

While these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cervical cancer, it’s essential to take them seriously and consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer screening is critical in detecting abnormalities early before they develop into cancer. There are different methods used to check for cervical cancer.

Pap Smear (Papanicolaou Test)

The Pap smear is the most commonly known and widely used screening test for cervical cancer. A healthcare provider collects cells from the cervix during this procedure using a small brush or spatula. These cells are then examined under a microscope for abnormal changes.

HPV Testing

HPV testing involves checking for the presence of high-risk HPV types that are most likely to cause cervical cancer. This test can be done alone or in combination with a Pap smear.

For women aged 30-65, HPV testing is usually done every five years if the results are negative.

Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA)

VIA is a screening method used in some low-resource settings due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It involves applying acetic acid (vinegar) to the cervix to identify abnormal areas that turn white.

VIA can be used as an alternative screening method in areas where other tests are unavailable.

Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a follow-up procedure used when a Pap smear or HPV test shows abnormal results. It involves a detailed examination of the cervix using a colposcope, a unique instrument with a magnifying lens and light.

Cervical Biopsy

A cervical biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from the cervix to be examined for cancerous or precancerous cells. This procedure is usually done after an abnormal Pap smear or HPV test.

Goal of  Cervical Cancer Screening

The primary goal of cervical cancer screening is to identify abnormal cells or infections early. This allows doctors to find precancerous changes or early-stage cancer before symptoms develop. It is possible to treat or reverse some precancerous lesions and the development of invasive cervical cancer.

Screening Guidelines

Screening guidelines vary based on age, health history, and other factors. Generally recommended guidelines include:

• Women Aged 21-29: Pap smear every three years.
• Women Aged 30-65: Pap smear combined with HPV testing (co-testing) every five years or Pap smear alone every three years.
• Women Over 65: Screening may be discontinued if they have had consistent negative results in the past and are not at high risk.

The frequency of screening depends on the method used and age group:

• Pap Smear Alone: Typically every three years.
• HPV Testing Alone or with Pap Smear (Co-Testing): Every five years for women aged 30-65.
• VIA: Frequency depends on the program and availability but is often used in areas with limited access to other methods.

Tips to know before you go for your screening

It is essential to avoid these things because they can affect the accuracy of the test results.

• Avoid Intercourse 24-48 hours before the test.
• Do not use vaginal douches, tampons, or spermicides before the screening.
• Try to schedule the test when you are not menstruating.

What to Do Before Cervical Screening?

Proper preparation for cervical screening can help ensure accurate results and make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Here are some critical steps to take before your cervical screening appointment

Understand the Procedure

Familiarize yourself with the cervical screening procedure. Understanding the steps involved and what to expect can help alleviate anxiety and prepare you mentally.

If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider before the screening. They can provide information and address any worries you might have.

Be comfortable

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. During the procedure, you may need to remove clothing from the waist down so that easy-to-remove clothing can make the process smoother.

Try to relax before and during the screening. Stress and tension can make the procedure feel more uncomfortable. Deep breathing exercises or visualization techniques can help ease anxiety.

Is Cervical Screening Painful?

You can feel slight discomfort during the  Pap smear or Pap test, but it shouldn’t be painful.

Most women experience mild discomfort during the procedure. This discomfort is often described as a brief, pressure-like sensation as the healthcare provider inserts a speculum to access the cervix and collects cells for examination. This feeling is usually short-lived.

However, actual pain is uncommon. Some women might experience slight cramping or soreness similar to menstrual cramps, but this is typically temporary and resolves quickly after the test.

Some women might experience mild cramping or spotting after the test. These symptoms are usually brief and resolve within a day or two.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer screening is a vital tool in the fight against cervical cancer, offering early detection and prevention opportunities that can significantly impact outcomes and survival rates. By understanding the screening methods, potential risks, and the importance of regular check-ups, women can take proactive steps to protect their health.

Regular cervical screening, including Pap smears and HPV testing, plays a crucial role in identifying abnormal cells or infections before they develop into more serious conditions. While the procedure may involve some mild discomfort, the benefits of early detection far outweigh the temporary unease.

If you have any questions or concerns about cervical screening, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider.

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