Women in Anguilla continue to develop and suffer from cervical cancer despite the many advances in medicine. Regular cervical screening tests, along with other measures, have been shown to decrease the incidence of cervical cancer in many countries.
What is cervical cancer?
The uterine cervix is the lowest portion of a woman’s uterus (womb), connecting the uterus with the vagina. Cervical cancer occurs when the cells of the cervix grow abnormally and invade other tissues and organs of the body. Early on, typically no symptoms are seen. Later symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during sexual intercourse. Cancer of the cervical is still a leading cancer in Anguilla.
What is a screening test?
A screening test is done to detect potential health disorders or diseases in people who do not have any symptoms of disease. The goal is early detection and lifestyle changes, or surveillance, to reduce the risk of disease, or to detect it early enough to treat it most effectively. The Pap smear is a good example of a screening test. Many studies have confirmed that regular cervical screening tests have reduced the incidence of cervical cancer and also led to early detection of the disease resulting in excellent cure rates.
What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear (Papanicolaou), referred to as a cervical screening test or a smear test, is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix. The test involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix to check for abnormalities that may be indicative of cervical cancer. Taking the Pap smear should not hurt, but some women might find it uncomfortable. It only takes a few minutes if done by a qualified and trained person. Your doctor would explain how the test is done, but it involves using a small brush or spatula to gently remove cells from the cervix so that they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer. A Pap smear may also help find other conditions such as infections or inflammation. It is sometimes done at the same time as a pelvic exam, and may also be done at the same time as a test for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
When should you have your first Pap test?
Most health professionals recommend the first test at age 21 or when a woman becomes sexually active. The frequency of Pap tests will vary depending on many factors so it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. If you are not sure when your next screening test should be, or if you have any questions about the Pap smear, contact your doctor or gynaecologist or nearest health clinic.
Getting the results
The Pap test is a screening test. It is important to know the results of the test so that other diagnostic tests can be done if required. If the Pap test is abnormal it does not always mean that you have cervical cancer. Your healthcare provider would discuss the results with you and recommend future management.
Benefits and limitations of Pap test?
The Pap test is a screening test. No screening test is 100% accurate, but the scientific evidence tells us that having regular Pap tests lowers the risk of dying from cervical cancer. A Pap test may not detect cervical cell abnormalities even though they are present (called a false negative). In a few cases a Pap test may suggest cervical cell abnormalities when there are none (called a false positive).
Conclusion
Cervical screening now involves having a Pap test and also testing for HPV. Cervical screening has been shown to prevent cervical cancer and also helps detect pre-cancerous conditions and early stages of cervical cancer leading to almost 90 to 95 percent cure rates. It is important to have cervical screening tests, and also regular medical physical examinations. Talk to your doctor today.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-six years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5928).
