What is it?
Your Cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) which joins to the top end of the vagina. Cervical Cancer forms in the cells that line the Cervix. If cells change and grow in an uncontrolled way, they can form a lump, becoming a tumour.
The most effective method of preventing Cervical Cancer is through regular cervical screening, which allows detection of any early changes to the cells of the Cervix. These changes are fully treatable, but if undetected and untreated they can lead to Cervical Cancer in a some women.
If a woman does develop Cervical Cancer, survival and cure rates are high if the cancer is picked up early.
What causes Cervical Cancer?
– 99.7% of Cervical Cancers are caused by persistent high-risk HPV infections (Human Papillomavirus Virus), which cause changes to the cervical cells. HPV is an extremely common virus; around four out
of five people (80%) will contract one type of the virus at some point during their lifetime.
– HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, which means that anyone who has ever been sexually active could be infected. The body’s immune system will usually clear up HPV infections and generally, most people don’t even know they have contracted the virus.
– For younger women the HPV vaccination can help prevent seven out of ten cases of Cervical Cancer (70%). This means that Cervical Cancer is largely preventable.
What are the symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
– vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sexual intercourse, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual.
– changes to your vaginal discharge.
– pain during sexual intercourse.
– pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy.
It is important to remember that these symptoms can also happen for reasons other than Cervical Cancer. But it is also important to contact your Family Medicine Consultant straight away, so they can provide you with reassurance and support.
What is a smear test or Pap Smear?
At your cervical screening appointment, your Doctor will use a plastic speculum to open the walls of the vagina so the Cervix is clearly seen. They then take a sample of cells from your Cervix using a small, soft brush. This is not painful and only takes a few minutes.
After this, you can carry on your day as normal. Some patients may have a little bit of light spotting for a day or so after.
The cells are then looked at under a microscope in a laboratory to see if there are any abnormalities. Sometimes at this point HPV testing may be suggested or a closer look at the Cervix may be needed by a Gynaecologist. You will receive your results within a week.
It is suggested that you have a smear test done annually and HPV testing done every 5 years.
For any further information, or to discuss any health concerns with our Family Medicine Consultant, please feel free to contact the Clinic.
