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Writer's pictureDr. Shashwati Sen

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AND VACCINATION.... A SIMPLE STEP TO WIN THE WAR!

Updated: Mar 25, 2021

Yes! The statistics of cervical cancer related incidence and deaths is scary! For a cancer which has a reliable screening test and a vaccine, it should have been wiped off from the face of earth by now. Yet, here we are... watching helplessly, our women falling prey to the condition because of lack of awareness. Today, we share 1/4th of the global burden of cervical cancer.... Remember... It can be prevented if detected early!





WHAT IS CERVIX?

Cervix is the opening of the uterus which dilates and opens up into the vagina during a normal vaginal delivery. The part that is visible through the vagina is called the Ectocervix and the part that is hidden within the canal is called the Endocervix.



WHAT CAUSES CERVICAL CANCER?

Cervical infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer.



WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING?

Screening is done to look for changes in the cervical cells that could lead to cancer. The high grade precancerous lesions usually take 3-7 years to progress to cancer. We use this wide window period to our advantage as this gives us enough time to screen and treat.



HOW IS CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING DONE?

The procedure is simple and is done in the clinic by the gynaecologist. There are 2 types of screening tests:

  1. Conventinal Pap Smear

A wooden spatula (Ayre's Spatula) is used to scrape off cells from the ectocervix. The cytobrush helps to pick up cells from the endocervix. The cells are then examined in the lab for abnormalities.



2. Liquid based cytology (LBC) - Co-testing (Pap + HPV test)

A brush with special bristles is used to scrape off cells from the cervix to improve the diagnostic reliability of Pap smears. The cells are examined for abnormalities and also for infection with HPV.





Note: Conventional Pap smear is cheaper than LBC and does not involve HPV Test. Talk to your gynaecologist to know more about these tests.



HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE CERVICAL SCREENING?

It depends on your age and the type of test you opt for....

  • 21 - 29 years - Pap test - Every 3 years.

  • 30 - 65 years. - Co-testing - Every 5 years.

or

Pap test - Every 3 years.



WHAT IS THE HPV VACCINE?

The HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if given before a woman is exposed to the virus.

Dose Schedule : 3 doses at 0, 1 and 6 months.


Note: You still need to have your regular Pap tests even if you have received the HPV vaccine.






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