Quick search/navigation:
- What is cervical cancer?
- What are the signs or symptoms of cervical cancer?
- Who is at risk?
- How is cervical cancer detected?
- What is a Pap Smear?
- Can cervical cancer be treated?
- How often should I have a Pap smear?
- How reliable is the Pap smear?
- Can I have a Pap Smear if I am pregnant?
- Can I have a Pap Smear if I am having my menses?
- How do I prepare myself for the test?
- How is a Pap smear done?
- Will the test be painful?
- Do I need a Pap smear if I feel healthy?
- Do I still need a Pap smear if I have gone through menopause?
- Do I need a Pap smear if I have had a hysterectomy?
What is cervical cancer?
A woman's cervix is located at the lower part of the womb and consists of millions of tiny cells.
Sometimes, changes can occur in these cells in the absence of any symptoms.
In many of these cases, the cells spontaneously recover. However, in some cases, these changes over a
period can develop into cancer. Cervical cancer can be prevented if these changes are detected and
treated in its early stages.
What are the signs or symptoms of cervical cancer?
Following are some of the symptoms of cervical cancer:
- Unusual or foul smelling discharge from the vagina.
- Blood spots or light bleeding when you are not having your period or after menopause.
- Bleeding or pain during sex.
Note:: It is possible to have cervical cancer even if you do not experience any of these signs or symptoms.
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Who is at risk?
- Ever had sex.
- Had multiple sexual partners.
- Had sexually transmitted infections (STI) e.g. genital warts, genital herpes.
- Smoke.
- Have a family history of cervical cancer.
How is cervical cancer detected?
Cervical cancer can be detected with a Pap Smear.
What is a Pap Smear?
A Pap Smear is a screening test to check for changes in the cells of your cervix which
may develop into cancer later. It is a simple procedure where cells are collected from your
cervix and sent to a laboratory where the cells are tested under a microscope. It takes only a
few minutes and can be done by a doctor or a nurse.
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Can cervical cancer be treated?
Yes. Cervical cancer if detected in its early stages can be treated. Treatment is
simple and virtually 100% effective.
How often should I have a Pap smear?
You should have a Pap smear once every 3 years. However, if you experience any symptoms,
please consult your doctor immediately.
How reliable is the Pap smear?
Early detection and treatment can prevent up to 80-90% of cancer developing.
However, like other screening tests, it is not perfect. It may not always detect
early cell changes that could lead to cancer. Should you experience any symptoms
such as abnormal bleeding, please consult your doctor immediately.
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Can I have a Pap Smear if I am pregnant?
You should have a Pap smear done after the delivery of your baby.
This is usually done at the 6th week post natal check up unless otherwise
advised by your doctor.
Can I have a Pap smear if I am having my menses?
You cannot be tested during your period as blood cells that are shed
during your period may affect the accuracy of your Pap smear result.
Make an appointment 14 days after the start of your period.
How do I prepare myself for the test?
- Avoid sexual intercourse 24 hours before the test.
- Do not use spermicides, vaginal creams, lubricant jellies, vaginal medications or tampons two days before the test.
- Wear a two piece outfit as you will need to undress from the waist down.
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How is a Pap smear done?
It is a simple test and only takes a few minutes. You will be asked to lie on your back.
The doctor will insert a small instrument called a speculum into your vagina to get a clear
view of your cervix. The doctor will then use a special brush to collect some cells from your cervix.
The cells will be transferred onto a glass slide which will be sent to the laboratory for tests.
Will the test be painful?
You may feel some discomfort or pain. It helps if you try to relax when the speculum is inserted.
If you feel pain, tell your doctor or nurse immediately and he or she may be able to reduce your pain.
Do I need a Pap smear if I feel healthy?
Pap smears are for well women. Even in healthy women, changes in the cervix can occur without the
presence of symptoms or pain. These changes need to be treated before they develop into anything serious.
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Do I still need a Pap smear if I have gone through menopause?
Yes. The risk of getting cervical cancer increases with age, so it is important for you to
continue to have regular Pap smears once every 3 years. If you are unsure, please check with your doctor.
Do I need a Pap smear if I have had a hysterectomy?
You may not need a Pap smear if you have had a total hysterectomy i.e. the uterus
and cervix have both been removed for a non-cancerous condition such as heavy bleeding or fibroids.
However you should have had one Pap smear done after your hysterectomy. If you did not have one
or are unsure, you should check with your doctor.
If you had a partial hysterectomy (where your cervix was not removed) or you had a hysterectomy
for either cancer or a pre-cancerous condition, you will still need to have a Pap smear.
It is important that you check with your doctor to be absolutely sure.
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