One of the most common cancers affecting women in Singapore is cervical cancer. According to a statistics report from the MOH’s Epidemiology and Disease Control Division that was released in 2018, cervical cancer is now ranked as the 10th most common cancer—this report actually shows that the occurrence of this type of cancer among women has declined over the years. Cancer screenings, specifically HPV and pap smear tests in Singapore, play a major role in keeping the number of this disease down.
Types of cervical cancer screenings in Singapore
Any type of cancer, when not detected and treated, can be fatal. Hence, it is important for women to undergo cervical cancer screenings to ensure that they are free from this disease and have longer life expectancy. In Singapore, there are two ways to get screened for cervical cancer:
- HPV test
- Pap smear test
HPV test is done by collecting sample cells from the cervix to test whether HPV is present or not. HPV stands for Human papilloma virus. HPV is a common virus that can cause various types of cancer. It can be passed on through genital or skin contact. Not all HPV viruses advance to become cancer. Some HPV are low risk, meaning they are treatable or can resolve on their own. High risk HPV types are more aggressive and not only affect the cervix, but also other parts of the body such as:
- Anus
- Penis
- Throat
- Vagina
- Vulva
The HPV test is recommended for women aged 25 and above. This test can be done alone in an interval of every 5 years or as recommended by a doctor.
How is the HPV test done?
HPV tests are performed by a medical professional. You may feel a little discomfort during the procedure, but it will be very quick. Here are the steps that you can expect to go through when doing an HPV test:
Step 1: You will be asked to change into a hospital gown or to remove all of your clothing from the waist down.
Step 2: You will be asked to lie on an exam table. Your legs will be spread apart with
your foot placed on footrests.
Step 3: A medical tool, called a speculum, will slowly be inserted into your vagina by
your doctor. This tool helps in opening the vagina by separating its walls,
allowing your doctor to access your cervix.
Step 4: A flat spatula or a brush is then used to get samples of cells from your cervix.
Pap smear test. Also called a Pap test, this is the most common test advised by doctors for women to take to detect cervical cancer. Similar to the HPV test, sample cells are taken from the cervix and screened for any abnormal conditions. Pap smear tests can only detect changes in the cell of the cervix. This test cannot confirm the presence of the HPV virus.
Pap smear test is recommended for women aged 21 years and above. This test can be done alone until the age of 29.
Co-testing using the HPV and Pap smear tests can be done by women who are aged 30 to 65 every five years or as recommended by a doctor.
How is the Pap smear test done?
Pap smear tests are performed by a medical professional. Similar to an HPV test, a Pap test is quickly done, but there may be a little discomfort felt during the procedure. Here are the steps that you can expect to go through when doing an HPV test:
Step 1: You will be asked to change into a hospital gown or to remove all of your clothing from the waist down.
Step 2: You will be asked to lie on an exam table. Your legs will be spread apart with
your foot placed on footrests.
Step 3: A medical tool, called a speculum, will slowly be inserted into your vagina by
your doctor. This tool helps in opening the vagina by separating its walls,
allowing your doctor to access your cervix.
Step 4: A flat spatula or a brush is then used to get samples of cells from your cervix.
At what age should a woman stop undergoing cervical cancer screening?
Women may stop undergoing cervical cancer screening once they are over the age 65 and only if they pass the conditions below:
- Moderate or severe abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer have not been found throughout their medical history;
- They have had negative Pap and HPV test results, given the following requirements:
– HPV tests: Two consecutive negative test results within the past 10 years
– Pap tests: Three consecutive negative test results within the past 10 years
– Co-testing: Two consecutive negative test results within the past 10 years
Depending on the type of test, the results should have come from the most recent test done within the past three or five years.
Are cervical cancer screenings always accurate?
Like any other medical tests, the accuracy of cervical cancer screening tests are not always 100% accurate. When a test is not accurate, the results can either be:
- False-positive – abnormal cells are present in the results when the cells are actually normal
- False-negative – no abnormal cells are detected when they are actually present
There are different factors that can contribute to the inaccuracy of the results. Below are some examples:
- The abnormal cells detected are not sufficient for examination
- The abnormal cells present may be hidden due to an infection or presence of blood
- The abnormal cells may have been diluted or dissolved due to vaginal douching or medications
- The cells in the collected sample may be too few
How can I help make sure that my HPV or Pap smear test results are accurate?
You can help prevent getting inaccurate HPV or Pap smear test results by avoiding the following at least two days before your scheduled test:
- Douching
- Sexual intercourse
- Using vaginal hygiene products
- Taking or using vaginal medications
Also, schedule your test at a time when you do not have your menstrual period.
Is there a way to get protected from cervical cancer?
HPV vaccine can protect you from getting infected with the HPV virus, which usually causes cervical and other cancers. Cervical cancer screenings should still be done despite being vaccinated for HPV as the vaccine may not successfully work on protecting the body from all types of HPV virus.
Artisan Health Clinic
Paragon
290 Orchard Road #07-01,
Paragon Medical Suites,
Singapore 238859
https://www.artisanhealthclinic.sg/
Phone / Whatsapp
(65) 8129 8877