Cervical Screening: Why It Is Important

Medically reviewed by Dr Johann Tang, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist

Cervical cancer is a gynaecological cancer affecting the uterine cervix. It’s the 10th most common cancer among Singaporean women, but has a high cure rate if detected and treated while it is still in the early stages. This makes early detection for cervical cancer extremely beneficial for women.

Learn More: How Radiotherapy Helps To Effectively Treat Cancer in Women 

Cervical cancer screening is usually included in most health screening packages and are available at public or private hospitals, polyclinics, and private clinics. Women above 25 are highly encouraged to schedule an appointment for a screening every few years.

What Is Cervical Cancer

The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina. Before cancer develops in the cervix, it goes through a change known as dysplasia where abnormal cells are present. Over time these abnormal cells may become cancer cells and can then grow, multiply, and spread deeper into the cervix. At this point, cervical cancer treatment options in Singapore will have to be explored.

Cervical cancer is unusual in that nearly all cases are caused by a virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). If you are sexually active, you are likely to be infected with HPV at some point. Most HPV infections go away on their own but certain high-risk infections that last for years, can alter your cervical cells in a way that can lead to cancer.

To protect against cervical cancer, you can get yourself vaccinated against HPV. The vaccine is safe and highly effective if taken before a person is sexually active. If taken after, you may have already been infected by HPV and the vaccine is less effective. Whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated, regular screenings are still an excellent way to ensure lifelong protection and prevention against cervical cancer.

How Does Cervical Cancer Screening Work?

Cervical cancer screening is done via a pap smear or a HPV test conducted by your gynaecologist, primary care physician, or a cancer doctor. Both procedures can be done simultaneously during the cervical screening. The procedure will involve taking samples of cells from the cervix and checking for abnormalities, in the case of a pap smear, or for the HPV virus which should come back either as a positive or negative result. 

When Should A Patient Get Themselves Tested?

If you are a female between the ages of 21 to 29, you should look to get screened for cervical cancer as soon as possible for early detection. After which you can get either a HPV test or a pap smear every three years.

For women 30 to 65, they can either opt for co-testing of both a HPV test and a pap smear at the same time every 5 years, a pap smear every three years, or a HPV test every 5 years. It’s best to consult with a cancer doctor about your best options.

When Is Cervical Cancer Screening No Longer Recommended?

If you are above the age of 65 and have had a clean bill of health with normal test results over the past few years, then you do not need to go for regular cervical cancer screenings anymore.

You also will not need to go for cervical cancer screenings if you have had a total hysterectomy where your uterus and cervix were removed for non-cancerous reasons. Always check with your doctor if you are not sure if you need to have a pap smear or HPV test.

With vaccinations and regular screenings, cervical cancer is not the killer it once was. Patients can take steps to be proactive against this disease and maintain their physical health and lifestyles. It’s important not to get complacent and ensure you maintain regular health screening appointments for pap smears or HPV tests.

Dr Johann Tang has years of experience treating and managing patients with cervical cancers  as well as different cancers. Find out what other patients have to say about our services andreach out to us via our contact us page to book an appointment with our team.