Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention: Everything You Need To Know

Cervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. This cancer is caused by a virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV virus is found in both men and women and is spread mostly by sexual contact. Most people are infected with the HPV virus at some point or another in their lives. This virus is so common that almost all sexually active people will have it on their genital skin. Most of the time, the HPV infection does not have any symptoms, and most people are unaware of the infection. The body usually clears the virus naturally within two years. However, the problem starts when the body is not able to clear the HPV virus.

This can lead to changes in the cells of the cervix, which can develop into cervical cancer. It normally takes about 10 to 15 years for an HPV infection to develop into cervical cancer. It is important to keep in mind the symptoms of cervical cancer, as the early cervical cancer symptoms are often confused with the premenstrual symptoms. Some symptoms of cervical cancer include:

Irregular vaginal bleeding
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Pain in the lower belly or pelvis
Pain during sexual activity

Fatigue, pain in the legs and back, weight loss, and bone fractures usually indicate stage 3 of cervical cancer.

Prevention of Cervical Cancer

You can reduce the risk of an HPV infection turning into cervical cancer by following the steps below:

Use condoms; they might not fully protect from HPV infection, but they reduce the risk as well as protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Stay active, eat well, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy body weight, and manage stress levels.
Do not smoke; tobacco can weaken the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infections.
Undergo HPV vaccination; it is best to get vaccinated before becoming sexually active. However, sexually active women can also get this vaccination.
Undergo regular screening for cervical cancer after 25 years of age.

Cervical cancer can be prevented by regular cervical screening. Screening can help detect HPV infection before it develops into cervical cancer. Detection of HPV infection at an early stage can allow your healthcare professional to monitor the infection and intervene in case of a change in the cells of your cervix.

When to undergo cervical cancer screening?

It is recommended that if you are between 25 and 74 years of age and are sexually active, you should undergo cervical screening every 3 years. This includes women who have:

Had the HPV vaccine
Stopped having sex
A partial hysterectomy, and still have a cervix
Felt healthy and has no symptoms
Had only one sexual partner
Had menopause
A cervix and are sexually active

Different Types of Cervical Screening Tests

Pap Test: The Pap test, also known as a smear test, is the most common screening exam for cervical cancer. During this test, a healthcare professional collects a sample of cells from the cervix, which is then looked at under a microscope to detect any abnormal changes. A Pap test does not test for any other cancers in the reproductive organs, such as ovarian cancer or other STDs.
HPV Test: The HPV test is done by removing a sample of cells from a woman's cervix. This sample is then tested for the strains of HPV most likely linked with cervical cancer. The HPV test can be combined with the Pap test. In order to undergo a cervical cancer screening test, try to make an appointment on a day when you don't have your period. Do not use tampons, medicines or creams in your vagina and do not have sex 48 hours before the test. Follow-up of an abnormal Pap or HPV test is important because it can help prevent cervical cancer. In case a Pap test or HPV test shows abnormal changes in the cervix, then follow-up tests need to be done.
Colposcopy: A specialist looks through a magnifying lens (colposcope) to examine your cervix more closely and in greater detail. You will be asked to lie in a manner similar to a Pap test, and then, an instrument called a speculum will be inserted into your vagina to allow the cervix to be clearly seen. A liquid is applied to the cervix to highlight any abnormal areas. The colposcopy itself does not enter the body. The whole process takes about 15 minutes, and most people do not experience any pain.
Colposcopy Biopsy: During a colposcopy, when abnormal areas are discovered, the doctor performs a colposcopic biopsy. This is when a small piece of tissue from the cervix is taken for analysis to determine whether the abnormal cells are precancerous, cancerous, or infected.
doubts or questions you might have about this test, such as what it means if something is found during this examination.
Endo-Cervical Curettage: Endocervical curettage is a procedure in which the doctor inspects the cervical canal and scrapes cells from it using a curette. The tissue is sent to the laboratory for examination for any abnormal or precancerous changes in the cervical canal.
Endometrial Curettage: Endometrial curettage involves scraping the endometrial lining of the uterus to collect tissue for examination. This procedure helps determine whether there are any precancerous or abnormal cell changes in the endometrial lining or cancer affecting the surrounding reproductive organs.
Cone Biopsy: A cone biopsy is a minor surgical procedure in which a cone-shaped portion of an abnormal cervix is removed. This allows for further examination of the carcinoma cells and can also prevent future cervical carcinomas by removing the precancerous lesions.
Cryosurgery: It is an option for treating abnormal or precancerous cervical cells using very low temperatures to destroy them. By freezing the abnormal tissue, cryosurgery will allow the growth of normal, healthy tissue in its place and help prevent the development of cervical cancer.
Laser Surgery: A laser is a very small, focused beam of high-energy light used to remove or destroy abnormal cervical tissue. Because the laser surgery technique is so precise, it allows the treatment of precancerous lesions while minimising damage to adjacent healthy tissue.
Hysterectomy: A complete hysterectomy means removal of the uterus and cervix. After any kind of treatment, it is important not to use tampons, swim, or have vaginal intercourse for 3 to 4 weeks until the cervix heals. Vigorous exercise should also be avoided for a week to prevent bleeding or infection.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer can be prevented with early screening, vaccination, and healthy living. Pap tests and HPV tests are both utilised to identify atypical cell growth early, so that physicians can provide treatment prior to the development of cervical cancer. Early diagnosis relies heavily on understanding the signs of cervical cancer and knowing what risk factors contribute to its development.

Women should follow the recommended testing schedule and see their family doctor regularly. Increased community awareness, implementing preventive measures, and early treatment will greatly improve the likelihood that a woman will be able to successfully prevent and treat cervical cancer