As a mother, a wife, and a working woman, we know how busy you are all day long. With all the housework, children, and office work, there are countless times when you forget about yourself. But in the midst of all this, you also need to think about your health. Because only if you are healthy can you take good care of the rest of your family. That is why, today we will talk about a topic that many women are afraid to talk about, but that you should definitely be aware of. That is cervical cancer and the tests that are done to detect it early.
What exactly is cervical cancer screening?
Simply put, this is a screening procedure that checks for cervical cancer or cell changes that could develop into cancer in the future, before you even have symptoms. This is like checking the foundation of a house before you build it to see if it has any cracks or gaps. The goal here is to find the root cause of a problem before it even starts.
There are three main testing methods for this. Your doctor will recommend the method that is most suitable for you.
- HPV test: This tests for the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a high-risk type of cancer that can lead to cervical cancer. HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer in most cases.
- Pap test (Pap smear): This involves examining a sample of cells from your cervix under a microscope to see if there are any abnormalities in those cells, or whether they are cancerous or precancerous cells.
- HPV/Pap cotest: As the name suggests, this test combines both of the above tests. This means that the same sample is tested for the presence of the HPV virus and for abnormalities in the cells.
Why do we need to do these tests? Who should do them?
The question many people have is, "I don't have any problems, so why would I take a test like this?"
The most important thing is this. Cervical cancer does not show any symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have already progressed. That is why getting tested on time, even if there are no symptoms, is a life-saving measure.
In general, it is important for all women between the ages of 21 and 65 to get these tests. Even if you have received the HPV vaccine, you should still get these tests done on time. This is because, while the vaccine protects against the main types of HPV that cause cancer, it does not protect against all types.
If you are in this age range and have not had this test yet, it is not too late. Don't be afraid or embarrassed. Talk to your doctor today and make an appointment for this. This test can detect and treat the possibility of developing cancer early. That means we have a great opportunity to prevent cancer from occurring .
How do these tests work?
This procedure is not as complicated or painful as you might think. Your doctor (gynecologist or family doctor) will use a very soft brush to take a sample of cells from the surface of your cervix. This will only take a few minutes. You may feel some discomfort, but it is not painful.
This cell sample is then sent to a laboratory (`lab`). That's where the relevant test (HPV, Pap, or both) is performed and the results are provided.
How often should I take this test?
This depends on your age and health risk level. The table below provides a simplified guide to the recommendations for women at average risk. However, if you have a medical condition that suppresses your immune system, or if you have had an abnormal result from a previous test, you may need to be tested more frequently . Your doctor will be the best person to advise you on this.
| Age Group | Recommended Test & Frequency |
|---|---|
| Age 21 to 29 years old | Pap test only. If the results are normal, it should be done every 3 years . HPV testing is not usually recommended in this age group, as HPV infections often clear up on their own. |
| Age 30 to 65 years old | There are several options you and your doctor can choose from:
|
How should I prepare before the test?
To get an accurate result, there are a few things you need to be aware of in the days leading up to the test. Your doctor will advise you on this, but these are the general guidelines:
- Avoid vaginal intercourse for two days before the test.
- Avoid inserting anything into the vagina for two days before the test. For example, tampons, vaginal creams, and lubricants.
- Try to schedule the test on a day when your period has stopped .
In some cases, the test can be done even during menstruation. Therefore, it is best to discuss this with your doctor when making an appointment.
What are the results and what do they mean?
It can take about three weeks to get the test results. We'll see what they mean when they come back.
| Result Type | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Normal / Negative | This is the best news! The lab found no abnormalities in your cells. If you had an HPV test, it would mean that the virus was not found. |
| Abnormal / Positive | This means that the lab has found some unusual changes in the cells. A positive HPV test means that the virus is present in the body. Don't be alarmed by this result. It doesn't mean that you have cancer. |
| Unclear / Unsatisfactory | This means that it is not possible to say for sure whether the cells are normal or abnormal, either because the sample of cells taken was not enough or for some other reason. You will probably need to have another Pap test. |
Remember, most of the time, an 'abnormal' result does not mean cancer. Cell changes can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as infection or inflammation. So it's important not to panic about the result and follow the next steps your doctor tells you to take.
What happens next if the result is 'Abnormal'?
If your results are abnormal, your doctor will recommend some more tests to find the exact cause.
- Physical exam: The doctor will check for signs of cancer, such as swollen lymph nodes.
- Colposcopy: This involves using a special light and magnifying instrument (a `colposcope`) to carefully examine the surface of the cervix for abnormal cells. This is similar to a regular clinical examination.
- Biopsy: If an abnormal area is identified during a colposcopy, a very small piece of tissue is taken and sent for examination under a microscope. This is what allows the final and most definitive conclusion to be made - whether the abnormal cells are cancer, cells that are developing into cancer, or a change due to another cause.
By following these steps, any problem can be identified at the earliest stage and completely cured with simple treatments.
Take-Home Message
- Cervical cancer screening is more about preventing cancer than about diagnosing it. This is one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself.
- Even if you have no symptoms, if you are between the ages of 21 and 65 , get these tests done on a regular schedule. This is mandatory even if you have received the HPV vaccine.
- This is a very safe and simple process that takes just a few minutes. Don't risk a lifetime of inconvenience.
- Don't worry if you get an 'abnormal' result. It doesn't always mean cancer. It just means that further testing is needed.
- Put aside your fear and shame about this and talk openly with your doctor. Ask your questions. This simple test could save your life.
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