Early cervical cancer may not show any noticeable signs or symptoms. Below are some symptoms of cervical cancer, although other conditions may also cause those symptoms:
Ultimately, a doctor should be consulted if the symptoms above occur.
These are two ways to prevent cervical cancer:
A pap smear test is a simple procedure where cells are collected from the surface of the cervix and then sent to a laboratory to detect any abnormality. All sexually active women between 25 and 69 years old are advised to have a pap smear test regularly (every 3 years on average).
If you have an abnormal pap smear, the doctor may want to examine you closer by doing a procedure called colposcopy.
Colposcopy is a procedure in which the doctor uses a colposcope (a lighted, magnifying instrument) to check the vagina and cervix for abnormal areas. It is not inserted into the vagina.
Cervical cancer is caused by a common virus called the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Being vaccinated against HPV is recommended for all young women aged 9 to 26.
The HPV vaccine works best if given before the first sexual intercourse. Talk to your doctor to see if you are eligible for the vaccine. A two-dose regimen can be given to girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years old. For those who are 5 years old and older, a three-dose regimen is recommended over 6 months.
There are different treatments available for cervical cancer, depending on the stage of the cancer. Factors other than the stage of the cancer that might have an impact on your treatment decision include your age, your overall health, and your own preferences. The three main types of treatment include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Surgery is usually the first treatment for cancer of the cervix in the early stages (where cancer is confined to the cervix). The most common treatment is a hysterectomy to remove the uterus (womb) and cervix. The neighbouring reproductive organs, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, may be removed. However, this depends on other factors, such as your age.
Some patients with the earliest stage of cervical cancer can be treated with cervical conization (cone biopsy) or simple hysterectomy alone.
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. There are two types of radiation therapy: external and internal. The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
Radiation can be used after surgery for early-stage cervical cancer. It is also the main treatment for later-stage (stage 2 and above) cancers. For cervical cancer, when radiation is the main treatment, it is often given along with low doses of chemotherapy for it to work better.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to help kill cancer cells and shrink the size of the tumour. It is often combined with radiation therapy. Usually, the drugs are given in a vein. Once the drugs enter the bloodstream, they spread throughout the body. In cervical cancer, chemotherapy is also given to women with advanced or recurrent cancer.
Got Queries? Book an appointment with Dr Johann Tang by filling up this form. We'll get on a call with you as soon as possible.
Prefer to talk? Call us directly at +65 6690 6811
or email us at drjohanntang@gmail.com
Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist
Medical Director of ME Novena Specialist Group Pte Ltd
MBBS (Aust), FRANZCR (Radiation Oncology)
Dr Johann Tang is the Senior Consultant and Medical Director of ME Novena Specialist Group Pte Ltd. at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital and an Assistant Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore. Dr Tang’s journey towards being a radiation oncologist in Singapore started with him obtaining his medical degree from the University of Newcastle, Australia, in 1998 and completing his house officer training at the Hunter Area Health Service before returning to Singapore to complete his National Service in the Singapore Armed Forces Medical Corps. Thereafter, he did his specialty training in Radiation Oncology in Singapore at the National University Hospital (NUH). After obtaining his fellowship from the Royal Australian College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) in 2007, Dr Tang underwent breast brachytherapy fellowships at the University of Wisconsin as well as prostate brachytherapy, skin, and paediatric fellowships at the Peter Maccallum Cancer Institute, Australia. In 2021, Dr Tang underwent a fellowship at the New York Proton Centre with Dr Charles Simone in head and neck, re-irradiation, paediatric, prostate, and lung cancers.
Dr Johann Tang is an experienced radiation oncologist and cancer doctor who aims to deliver the highest level of care to his patients, especially when it comes to radiation therapy and cancer treatment. As a cancer specialist in Singapore, he is dedicated to understanding each patient’s condition and providing holistic, customised care that is both effective and compassionate. With ethics and empathy at the core of our practice, we strive to understand your individual needs and provide care that is compassionate and responsive.
Got Queries? Book an appointment with Dr Johann Tang by filling up this form. We'll get on a call with you as soon as possible.
Prefer to talk? Call us directly at +65 6690 6811
or email us at drjohanntang@gmail.com