Did you know that cervical cancer ranks among the fourth commonest cancers in women, with about 604,000 new cases being diagnosed every year? With this cancer becoming so common, it is important that regular screenings are carried out for detecting the disease early in it course, so that complete treatment can be instituted.
Cervical cancer is the cancer (uncontrollable cell growth) that occurs in the cervix, which is lower portion of the uterus which creates the opening from the uterus to the vagina.
A PAP test for cervical screening is used to assess the cervix.
Doctors recommend this test to be performed every three or five years for women between the ages of 25 to 65.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes HPV infection. Since HPV infection is one of the main causes of cervical cancer, Pap smear testing is frequently combined with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) testing, which is more effective in detecting cervical cancer.
What happens when you contract an HPV infection?
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It is usually harmless and resolves on its own, however, some strains can cause cancer or genital warts.
In the early stage of cervical cancer, individuals may not exhibit any symptoms at all. Because of this, routine Pap smear tests are important. A Pap smear test is used to identify cell alterations that could indicate the beginning of cancer, allowing for early treatment of the disease.
Symptoms of cervical cancer include:
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Difficulty in urination
• Diarrhoea
• Blood in urine
• Swelling of legs
• Pelvic pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Foul discharge from the vagina
• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse
• Heavy menstrual periods
What option are available for cervical cancer screening?
There are many tests that can be used to screen women for cervical cancer. These include:
Pap smear:
This test helps identify changes in the cervical cells that point to the potential development of cancer. During a Pap test, your doctor will take cells from your cervix, which will then be examined in a lab for precancerous changes. By early detection of abnormal cells using a Pap smear, cervical cancer can be prevented.
Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) test:
This test is a new technique for the detection of cervical cancer. In conventional cytology tests like Pap smear, a sample is taken and applied directly to a slide for microscopic analysis.
LBC involves the collection of samples in liquid vials and semi-automatic preparation of the slide in the lab. Cells obtained from the cervix are immediately preserved and spread in a monolayer on a glass slide and viewed under a microscope. The immediate fixation and uniform cell distribution done in LBC minimizes sampling errors.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) test:
This test looks for the high- risk HPV strain which is the most common cause of cervical cancer. It is frequently performed along with a Pap smear.
Cervical cancer (LBC/ PAP Smear/ HPV) screening tests are used to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix and early signs of cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines provide protection against the most common cervical cancer-causing HPV strains and significantly lowers the risk of cervical cancer. Additionally, this vaccine protects both men and women from genital warts, anal cancer, as well as mouth, throat, head, and neck cancers. Thus, timely vaccination against HPV and getting screened for cervical cancer is recommended to prevent cervical cancer and for the early detection of cervical cancer.
Learn how important are preventive health checkups
Read what a leading gynaecologist has to say about ‘Cervical Cancer Prevention’.
“Cervical Cancer is one of the most common & preventable cancers in females.
Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) & HPV Testing are the recommended tests for effective screening of cervical cancer.”
- Dr. Sarita Bhalerao
(MD, DGO, PCPS, FRCOG- UK, Diploma Pelvic Embryology- Germany)
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Doctor House – Kemp’s Corner, Mumbai
Affiliated to Breach Candy Hospital, Reliance HNH, Bhatia Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Wockhardt Hospital & many other renowned institutes of Mumbai.
Hon’ Clinical Associate – Wadia Maternity Hospital, Parel, Mumbai
