Cervical Cancer Screening Decreases Deaths from Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India with about one lakh twenty-five thousand new cases diagnosed each year. It is also one of the most common causes of cancer death among women in India with about sixty-five thousand women dying of it each year. Thus, it is one of the major public health problems of India.

What is the benefit of cervical cancer screening?

Screening for cervical cancer helps in detecting cervical cancer at an early stage or pre-cancerous stage (cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia). This pre-cancerous stage in cervical cancer persists for several years before progressing to invasive cancer. At this pre-cancerous stage and early invasive stage, the cancer can be cured with appropriate treatment and death from cancer can be prevented in nearly 100% cases. Overall, screening has resulted in upto 70% reduction in cervical cancer incidence.

What method is used for cervical cancer screening?

Cervical cancer screening is done by a test called Pap/Cervical smear test. The Pap test is used to find abnormal cells in the cervix that might develop into cancer over time. Pap test is a simple OPD procedure which involves gently scraping some cells from the surface of the cervix using a small spatula or a cytobrush and putting them on a slide. This procedure takes only a few minutes. The cells are then examined under a microscope in the laboratory to see if they are normal/abnormal.

What procedure is followed during a Pap test?

At a Pap test, your doctor will ask you to remove your clothing from the waist down and give you a drape to cover yourself. You will be asked to lie on the examining table with your legs placed in the stirrups and your bottom to the edge of the table. To perform the procedure, your primary care provider will insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina for a clear view of your cervix. She or he will then gently collect a sample of cells from your cervix using a small spatula or a cytobrush. The test takes only a few minutes. Pap tests are safe.

What preparation is required before a Pap test?

The Pap test yields optimum results if scheduled between 10 to 20 days from the first day of menstrual period. The woman should not be menstruating at the time of test. Following should be avoided 48 hours before the test: Intercourse, douching of vagina, vaginal medications and vaginal contraceptives like creams/ jellies.

What are the screening recommendations for cervical cancer?

All women should start having Pap test at age 21 or 3 years after first sexual contact. Pap tests should be done once every 3 years up till the age of 65 years