Questions & Answers On Cervical Cancer Screening

Dubbed as the “silent killer”, cervical cancer is the 10th kind of cancer affecting women in Singapore. According to the National Cancer Centre Singapore, there are over 190 cases diagnosed each year.

Cervical cancer affects the tissues in the cervix. It grows slowly and may not present symptoms, but can be treated successfully with early detection. If you are 25 to 65 years old, you can avail yourself of cancer screening in Singapore to help save you from more complex problems that may eventually arise.

Methods Of Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer screening has two types of tests, namely, the Pap test and the HPV test.

1. The Pap Test. Also known as the Papanicolaou smear or Pap smear, this test collects cells from the cervical and vaginal surfaces through scraping with the use of a piece of cotton, small wooden stick, or brush. The specimen is viewed under a microscope to check the condition of the cells. The Pap test is recommended only for women from 25 years old and above.
2. HPV Test. Cervical cancer screening in Singapore and most countries worldwide also includes the HPV test to discover if there are human papillomavirus present in the cervix. Just like the Pap test, a sample is also obtained from the cervix for examination. The HPV test is also done in conjunction with the Pap smear when abnormal cells are detected. Women from 30 years old and above are encouraged to undergo HPV test.

5 Ways To Prepare For A Cervical Cancer Screening In Singapore

Prior to any cancer screening, it is very important to be ready to avoid experiencing difficulties during the test and to achieve clear results. Before you undergo Pap and/or HPV tests for your cervical cancer screening, make sure that you:

1. Schedule your screening on a day when you are not expecting your menstruation. If your period suddenly starts, reschedule your appointment.
2. Do not douche 2 days before the test.
3. Stop using vaginal creams, films, jellies, foams, medications, and tampons 2 days before your cervical screening.
4. Avoid sexual intercourse two days prior to your screening. The presence of semen makes it difficult to detect the presence of abnormal cells. This may result in inaccurate diagnosis.
5. Check the location of the clinic where you will have your test done so as to avoid being late for your appointment.

Why Should I Avail Of Cervical Cancer Screening In Singapore?

Having your cervical cancer screening in Singapore gives you the advantage of knowledgeable doctors and patient-friendly facilities.

According to the Journal of Medical Screening, cervical cancer screening in Singapore has been available since 1964. The availability of cervical cancer screening in Singapore enabled more women to detect the probability of developing cervical cancer earlier on and make positive lifestyle changes to prevent the illness.

In addition, the absence or elusiveness of signs and symptoms in early stages of cervical cancer emphasizes the importance of undergoing cervical cancer screening. Pay your doctor a visit to make sure that you can detect cervical cancer and treat it immediately.