January is officially Cervical Cancer Awareness month, and unofficially the month of New Year’s resolutions. The two go hand in hand when it comes to cervical health, especially when it comes to doing Cervical Cancer screening, commonly known as Pap smears.
So, what is the Cervix?
The Cervix is the part of a woman’s womb (also known as the uterus) that opens into the top of the vaginal canal. It is the opening through which menstrual blood passes (during your period), and through which babies leave the womb during childbirth.
What is HPV?
HPV, is Human Papilloma Virus. There are over 200 different types of HPV, each with different numbers, for example, HPV 6 and HPV 11 etc, and each with different cancer risks. HPV can infect a female’s cervix during unprotected sexual intercourse.
Sometimes, the body’s immune system can get rid of the HPV, other times it can’t. If the HPV sticks around for a long time, it can cause some of the cells of the cervix to become abnormal and eventually become Cancer. Some types of HPV, Like HPV 16 and 18 carry a higher risk for causing Cervical Cancer.
What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear is a simple procedure, where the healthcare provider (doctor or nurse) will get a sample of cells from the cervix by using a special brush to brush the cervix. It can be slightly uncomfortable but generally is not painful. You may also have slight spotting (bleeding) afterwards for up to 24 hours.
The sample of cells is sent to the lab to check for cells that are not normal. This is very important, because it helps us to detect abnormal cells before they become Cancer. You can be treated long before Cancer even rears it’s ugly head.
HPV Testing – is also done on the same Pap smear sample to check for HPV in the Cervix
How often should you get a Pap smear?
Guidelines vary slightly between the US (United States) and the UK (United Kingdom), and your own doctor may choose to do Pap smears less or more frequently based on your own previous test results or your own medical history.
But generally (According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists):
Females over 65 MAY NOT need to have a Pap smear done ONLY IF
- You have never had an Abnormal Pap smear OR Cervical Cancer
- You have had 3 NORMAL Pap smear results in a row IN THE LAST 10 YEARS
IF you are younger than 21, it is generally not recommended that you get a Pap smear even if you are sexually active, because:
- Cancer of the cervix in the age group is very, very rare
- Females in this age group’s immune systems tend to get rid of HPV well
- Cancer of the cervix is slow-developing and would not be generally seen in this age range
BUT SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR – if you have any concerns and are in this age group or over 65 years old. Many times in medicine, one size does not fit all. Healthcare has to be tailored to each individual.
How to prepare for a Pap smear:
- No sex for 2 days before the exam
- Do not douche or use tampons, lubricants or vaginal medicines/creams for 2 days before the exam.
- Book your Pap Smear appointment for AFTER your period ENDS. The healthcare provider will likely not do your Pap Smear until after your period is finished because it can affect the Pap Smear results.
Cervical Cancer can be prevented with regular Pap smears and HPV testing. Let’s start the year off with healthy habits!
Talk to your healthcare provider about getting a Pap smear.
Be sure to write down any questions you may have for your healthcare provider before your appointment, so you don’t forget to ask them when you go into your healthcare provider’s office.
Have a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Dr Rachel Thwaites-Williams,
Family Physician and Public Health Specialist
