Cervical Cancer Screening
– What You Need to Know

The cervix is at the top of the vagina, also known as the ‘neck of the womb’. Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women under 35, so let’s discuss something that could literally save your life - cervical cancer screening, often referred to as the PAP smear test.

 

🦠 What’s the risk?
The main cause of cervical cancer is a virus called HPV – Human Papilloma Virus. There are over 200 types, but around 14 are high-risk – meaning they can eventually lead to changes in the cells of your cervix which can slowly turn into cancer over 10 to 15 years if left unchecked. 😟

 

💞 How do you get HPV?
HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact — not just sex. That’s why it’s not technically a sexually transmitted infection/STI. So, don’t assume you’re not at risk. 👩‍⚕️

 

Here’s the good news:
👉 90% of HPV infections are cleared naturally by your immune system within 2 years! 🛡️
But when the virus sticks around, it needs to be testing frequently and often treated by a specialist Gynaecologist.

 

🔬 What is the PAP smear test?
Named after Dr. Papanicolaou, this simple test involves gently inserting a clear plastic speculum into your vagina and collecting a few cells from your cervix using a soft brush which is sent off in a liquid sample — long gone are the days of cold metal speculums, wooden scrapers or fragile glass slides! 💖
 

The test checks for:

✅ The DNA of 14 high-risk HPV subtypes
✅ Cell changes under the microscope that could lead to cancer in the following years

📍 You can have this test at any time in your cycle except when actively bleeding.

 

📅 When should you start testing?
In the private sector, we suggest starting one year after becoming sexually active, then annually after that. We offer this to registered patients from the age of 20+. 👩‍🔬

 

💡 Bonus Tip:
While you're there, your GP can also take extra swabs to test for STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea — just ask! 🧫
And it’s a great time to talk about breast health and to be taught how to examine your breasts at home, every month. 🌸

 

🌟 A medical breakthrough to celebrate:
In 2008, the HPV vaccine Gardasil was rolled out in schools to girls aged 12–13. This has cut cervical cancer rates by 90%! 🎉
 

But remember — vaccination doesn't mean you’re fully protected from HPV. Regular PAP smear tests are still essential. 🧍‍♀️🧍‍♀️🧍‍♀️