| A Pap smear once every three years |
| |
Cervical cancer is
cancer of the neck of the womb. It is the fifth
most common cancer among women in Singapore. The
good news is that most cervical cancers can be treated
if detected early.
All women are at risk of cervical cancer. But the
risk increases if she:
|
• |
has ever had
sexual intercourse |
| • |
has had multiple sex partners |
| • |
has had sexually transmitted
diseases like genital warts |
| • |
is a smoker |
There may be no signs and symptoms in the early
stages. As the cancer gets more advanced, the following
may appear:
|
• |
foul-smelling
vaginal discharge |
| • |
irregular vaginal bleeding
between menstrual periods |
| • |
vaginal bleeding after
menopause |
| • |
bleeding after sexual
intercourse |
| • |
pain, usually only in
the very late stages |
 |
| - |
Cervical cancer can be detected through a simple
Pap smear test. A Pap smear test is a screening
test for the early detection of cervical cancer.
It is a quick, simple and usually painless procedure
whereby a doctor or trained nurse obtains a scraping
of cells from the cervix. These cells are then sent
to the laboratory to check for abnormalities.
In Singapore, all women aged 25 years to 69 years,
who have ever had sex, are advised to have a Pap
smear done once every three years.
A woman, who has never had sexual intercourse, does
not need to go for a Pap smear test. However, if
there is any abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge,
she should see her doctor for advice.
CervicalScreen Singapore is a national screening
programme for cervical cancer that encourages women
aged 25 years to 69 years to go for a Pap smear
once every three years.
If the test result is abnormal, a referral to a
gynaecologist is usually given. The gynaecologist
may go on to do a colposcopy. Colposcopy is a simple
procedure that allows a closer examination of the
cervix. The gynaecologist can then make a decision
on any treatment, if necessary.
Yes, cervical cancer can be treated if it is detected
early. That is why it is so important for women
to have a Pap smear test done once every three years.
If you are a woman, you can reduce your risk of
cervical cancer.
Do not smoke. Protect yourself against sexually
transmitted diseases by avoiding casual sex; have
only one partner who is faithful to you. Have a
Pap smear test done once every three years. Regular
Pap smear tests allow for the detection of cervical
cancer in the early or pre-cancerous stage, when
treatment is most effective.
Remember, early detection saves lives. |
