Preventing Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer affects and claims the lives of many women worldwide daily and is one of the most common forms of cancer among women. This form of cancer is highly preventable through early-diagnosis and proactive action carried out by cervical cancer screening.

Screening is performed to detect changes in the cervix's cells that may lead to cancer. Cervical cytology (commonly known as the Pap test or Pap smear), human papillomavirus (HPV) tests or both are used in the screening process.

These tests can help detect cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage. It may be easier to treat abnormal tissue or cancer if discovered early. Cancer may already be spreading by the time symptoms occur.

How often should you screen?

It is recommended that if you are between 21 to 65 years old, you should PAP testing every three years. However, women aged 30 and above may consider testing every 5 years if the PAP test is combined with HPV testing.

If you have specific risk factors then it is recommended to increase the frequency of screening. Some risk factors may include:

• A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a pap smear which showed precancerous cells
• Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) prior to birth
• Compromised immune system
• History of smoking
• HIV infection

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