Cervical cancer screening is a test offered to women over 24-64years as the first line of defense against cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the diseases affecting women worldwide, and it is preventable through regular screening. Cervical cancer screening detects unhealthy cells in the cervix or the presence of HPV (human papillomavirus), which increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.

The importance of cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer screening, also known as a pap smear test, helps detect abnormal cells in the cervix that could later develop into cervical cancer. When detected early cervical cancer is treatable, which is why undergoing the regular Hong Kong cervical cancer screening is essential. The test saves millions of lives around the world.

During a pap smear test, the doctor opens up your vagina using a speculum and collects samples of cells from your cervix. The cervix is the link between the uterus and the vagina. The doctor sends the sample to a laboratory to check for any abnormality. A pap smear is necessary because it checks if your cervix is in good health.

Human papilloma virus (HPV)

An HPV test is another way to screen for the HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that increases a woman’s risk of getting cervical cancer. Generally, it is a name of a group of viruses that are sexually transmitted. Some HPV types are not dangerous or symptomatic and can go unnoticed in the body for many years. In most cases, the body resolves the virus independently after around two years.

On the other hand, some HPV types lead to genital warts and the growth of abnormal cells that can develop into cervical cancer. The virus is transmitted through sex, sharing sex toys, and skin-to-skin contact of the genital parts. Therefore practicing safe sex like using condoms and avoiding many sexual partners can limit your risk of getting infected with HPV. Additionally, girls aged 12 to 24 are eligible for an HPV vaccine.

When to get a pap smear

A pap smear is recommended for every lady between the age of 24-64, whether they are sexually active or not. Ladies between the age of 24-49 should undergo the test every three years, while those between 50 and 64 should undergo the test every five years.

The best time to go for a cervical cancer screening is one week after your period, but you can undergo the test any time of the month as long as you are not on your period. It is advisable not to use vaginal creams, jellies, or spermicidal foams two days before your pap smear, as such products can obscure the detection of abnormal cells.

During the pap smear

It is wise to wear comfortable clothes when going for your pap smear to make it easy for you to undress. A doctor performs the test in only a few minutes, and they give you time to undress from the waist below before lying on the examination bed.

During a Hong Kong cervical cancer screening, the doctor will ask you to bend your knees and open your legs wide. Then they will insert a lubricated speculum into your vagina. You may feel uncomfortable initially, but that usually takes a few minutes. The purpose of the speculum is to make it easier for the doctor to see your cervix.

The doctor will carefully open the speculum to widen your vagina and then use a long thin brush to scrape off some cells from your cervix walls. After taking the sample, they will remove the speculum and ask you to dress up. The smear test is complete, and you can wait for your results.

The results

In most cases, it takes two weeks to get your pap smear results. You can expect the following:

• A negative result shows that no abnormal cells were detected in your cervix, and you tested negative for HPV. You can wait three or five years to undergo another cervical cancer screening.
• A positive result means that you tested positive for HPV, and there are abnormal changes in your cervix. Consequently, it would be best if you undergo more tests to determine whether or not you have cervical cancer.
• Mixed results mean no abnormal cells were detected in your cervix, but you tested positive for HPV. The doctor may advise you to undergo another pap smear after one year.
• Unclear results indicate different things. It could be that the doctor did not harvest enough cells during the screening, or you were on your period or had an infection hence the unclear results. In this case, it is advisable to redo the test after some time.

If your cervical cancer screening tests are abnormal, you should have more discussions with your doctor. That doesn’t mean you have cancer, but you may need further tests to ascertain things. If other tests confirm the presence of precancerous cells, you will undergo a colonoscopy, a test that closely examines your cervix further. Then the doctor may recommend a biopsy or any other treatment to remove the precancerous cells.

Although being diagnosed with cervical cancer can be devastating, having a solid support system is important to help you cope with the diagnosis. Thankfully programs like the Hong Kong cancer fund can help you meet the financial demands of cervical cancer treatment.

What if you are worried about your pap smear

Worrying about undergoing a cervical cancer screening test is normal, especially if it is your first time. However, the test only takes a few minutes and should be no cause for worry. Here are some cervical cancer screening tips for you.

• Take someone you trust with you.
• Talk to your doctor to help you feel comfortable before the test.
• Ask for a doctor or nurse of a particular gender you feel more comfortable with.
• Book a longer appointment. 
• Know what to expect during the pap smear.

conclusion

Going for cervical cancer screening every three to five years is vital for detecting abnormal cell changes in your cervix.