Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is more common in younger women, with the highest incidence in the age group 30-34. However, it’s also one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to the HPV vaccine and regular screenings. This January, during Cervical Cancer Prevention Month, it’s critical to address the anxiety many women feel about these essential tests.
Over 99% of cervical cancers are caused by persistent high-risk HPV infections. Vaccination significantly reduces infection rates, while screenings detect precancerous changes early—often before any symptoms appear. Despite this, millions of women skip routine screenings due to fear, embarrassment, or lack of knowledge.
Dr. Unsworth provides practical steps to ease anxiety and ensure a comfortable experience:
5 Steps for a Relaxed Screening
- Communicate with Your Clinician: Don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns. Explain your anxieties and ask questions. Agree on a signal if you need the test paused.
- Focus on Breathing: Slow, steady breaths can calm your body during the procedure. Use grounding exercises or chat with the clinician if it helps. Remember, you can always ask for a pause.
- Request a Smaller Speculum: For those experiencing vaginal dryness (especially during menopause), a smaller speculum may be more comfortable. You can even ask to insert it yourself. Vaginal oestrogen can also help, but avoid using it 48 hours before the test.
- Consider Pain Relief: If you anticipate discomfort, take paracetamol or ibuprofen an hour beforehand.
- Adjust Body Position: Clinicians may ask you to tilt your pelvis slightly for better visibility. Placing your hands under your bottom can help adjust the angle, and lying on your side may be more comfortable.
Why Screening Matters
A cervical screening test (smear test or Pap smear) involves taking cells from the cervix to check for high-risk HPV. If found, the sample is then analyzed for precancerous cells. Routine screenings are recommended every five years for women aged 25 to 64, though guidelines may vary by region.
A negative HPV result means low risk. If high-risk HPV is detected, further testing looks for cell changes. Minor changes often resolve on their own, but significant changes lead to a colposcopy clinic referral. Most colposcopy referrals do not indicate cancer.
“The key thing to remember is that cervical screening is designed to identify changes before cancer develops, or to detect cancer at a very early stage when treatment is usually highly effective.” – Dr. Unsworth
The Bigger Picture
While vaccination and screening are powerful tools, lifestyle factors also play a role. Smoking and multiple sexual partners can increase risk, reflecting how the virus spreads and how the body responds. Understanding these factors empowers informed choices.
By combining education, vaccination, and regular screenings, we can significantly reduce cervical cancer for future generations. Early detection remains the most effective defense against this preventable disease.
